Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare Emergency Response Assets as Statewide Winter Weather System Expected to Bring Heavy Snowfall Through Friday

Winter Storm Watches and Warnings Now in Effect Through Friday for Most of the State

Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region and North Country Regions Could See Up to a Foot or More of Snow Through Friday Night 

Snowfall Rates Up to Two Inches Per Hour Expected During Friday Morning Commute; Areas South of I-90 Corridor Could See Mix of Ice and Freezing Rain with Snow

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed State agencies to prepare emergency response assets in advance of a winter storm system expected to bring statewide impacts and heavy rates of snowfall beginning late Thursday night and continuing through Friday evening. The Capital Region and North Country are expected to see the highest snowfall accumulations with the potential for more than a foot of snow. A general 8 to 12 inches of snow is forecast for other parts of the North Country and Capital Region, as well as the Mohawk Valley, Central New York and Finger Lakes Regions. The Southern Tier and Western New York Regions could receive up to 8 inches of snow, while locations in the Mid-Hudson Region could see up to 6 inches. 

“Despite the warm weather we experienced earlier in the week, Winter is not quite ready to be over here in New York State and we are preparing for additional snow and ice expected to impact most of the State on Friday,” Governor Hochul said.  “I have directed State agencies to prepare and deploy emergency response assets to areas where the greatest impacts from this storm are expected. I strongly urge New Yorkers to avoid driving, if possible, during Friday morning’s commute and pay attention to your local weather forecast for impacts throughout the day.”

New York City and Long Island are expected to receive less snow throughout the event, while freezing rain and ice could impact parts of the lower Mid-Hudson Region, where a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation is expected. Travel conditions on Friday morning could be difficult, where snow will fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, causing reduced visibility on roadways.

Starting around midnight Thursday, a band of snow is forecast to develop and move northeast across the eastern Catskills, then shortly after midnight across the Mohawk Valley, Capital Region and Mid-Hudson Valley. By early Friday, snowfall rates of up to two inches per hour are likely near the I-90 corridor. The weather system is expected to shift north of the I-90 corridor Friday morning with a changeover to sleet and/or freezing rain expected for areas south of I-90, and sleet mixed with snow north of I-90. Precipitation is expected to continue through the afternoon before gradually tapering off from west to east by Friday night.

In parts of Western New York and the Finger Lakes regions, rain and snowmelt is causing water levels to rise on local creeks and rivers. Flood warnings are currently in effect with the threat of minor flooding forecast through Saturday evening for some locations.

State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Many parts of the state will experience up to a foot or more of snow over the next 24 hours. Governor Hochul and I want New Yorkers to stay home, if possible, on Friday. We encourage anyone in the path of this snowstorm to prepare emergency supplies now in case of a power outage or inability to travel. Let’s also remember to check on our vulnerable neighbors and loved ones to make sure they can get through the storm safely.”

Multiple weather warnings, watches, and advisories have been issued across the state for a variety of potentially hazardous conditions. For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov.

Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Emergency Operations Center will be activated this evening to monitor weather and travel conditions, coordinate State agency response operations, and communicate with local governments ahead of and during the event. The State’s stockpiles are prepared to deploy assets to localities to support any storm-related needs, including pumps, chainsaws, sandbags, generators, cots, blankets, and bottled water.

Department of Transportation 

The State Department of Transportation is preparing to respond with 3,466 supervisors and operators available statewide. Additionally, 75 Incident Command System personnel are available to support the response as needed.

To support snow and ice activities in critical areas, a total of 42 staff, including 40 plow truck operators and 2 supervisors are being deployed to the Mid-Hudson and Southern Tier regions as follows:  

·        Mid-Hudson: 

-Receiving 8 plow operators from the Finger Lakes  

-Receiving 8 plow operators and 2 supervisors from Western NY 

-Receiving 8 plow operators from the North Country  

-Receiving 10 plow operators from Long Island 

·        Southern Tier: 

-Receiving 6 plow operators from the Mohawk Valley

All staff members are currently preparing for travel and will be in place by Thursday evening before the onset of precipitation. The need for additional resources, including operators, trucks, mechanics and equipment operator instructors, will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. 

All residency locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations. 

All available snow and ice equipment is ready to deploy. Fleet mechanics in affected areas will be staffing all main residency locations 24/7 to perform repairs and keep trucks on the road. 

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows: 

·        1,750 large and medium duty plow trucks 

·        48 tow plows 

·        326 loaders 

·        36 snow blowers

Tow services will be utilized at the following locations: I-84 (Orange), I-684 (Putnam), I-81 (Broome), I-88 (Broome), NY 17 (Broome), NY 17 (Sullivan), NY 206 (Delaware), NY 28 (Otsego), and I-88 (Schoharie). Tow services will also be utilized on the Hutchinson River Parkway, Cross County Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway, Sprain Brook State Parkway, and Taconic State Parkway. The need for additional tow services will be reevaluated as the event develops.  HELP truck beats and hours of service will be extended during the Friday morning peak traffic period in the Capital District and Mid-Hudson.

Traffic Management Centers in affected Regions will be posting weather-related messages on variable message signs that will be used to support real time incidents and potential vehicle restrictions (if necessary). 

For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 684 operators and supervisors available statewide. 

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

·        367 large and medium duty plow trucks

·        11 tow plows

·        68 loaders

·        More than 120,000 tons of salt on hand

Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway here.

Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure impacted by severe weather. All available assets, including sawyers, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

DEC is advising backcountry users to be aware of and prepared for avalanche conditions due to weather that could increase the risk of avalanches on slides or steep, open terrain. More information is available here.

DEC reminds those responsible for the large-scale removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash and other debris in snow from affecting water quality. More information is available here.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings, and closings.

Department of Public Service

New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, and restoration efforts across New York State. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions anticipated to be most impacted.  

New York State Police

State Police will be closely monitoring conditions and will be prepared to deploy additional Troopers as needed. All State Police four-wheel drive and specialized vehicles, including snowmobiles and utility terrain vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response.

New York Power Authority / Canal Corporation

The New York Power Authority and the Canal Corporation staff are performing preparations to ensure all facilities, assets and equipment are secured and ready. The Power Authority is prepared to support power restoration activities if needed.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to spread salt and clear platforms and stairs of ice, keep signals, switches, and third rail operating. MTA Bridges and Tunnels is advising motorists to drive at reduced speeds.

Customers are encouraged to check new.mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA’s apps: MYmta, Long Island Rail Road Train Time and Metro-North Train Time.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Port Authority is monitoring weather conditions. Speed restrictions may be in effect at the bridges, as well as along roadways to and from the crossings. Passengers through the Port Authority’s facilities are encouraged to reach out to carriers and airlines directly for the latest information on delays and cancelations. For the latest information about Port Authority facilities, please check social media, sign up for PA alerts or download one of the PA mobile apps, including RidePATH which provides real-time updates and alerts for PATH service.

Safety Tips

Winter Travel

The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms are transportation-related crashes. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.

Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted.

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

·        When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.

·        Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.

·        Wet leaves on roadways can cause slippery conditions, making it important to drive at slower speeds when approaching patches of them.

·        Make sure your car is stocked with blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick-energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.

·        Keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline freeze-up.

·        If you have a cell phone or two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.

·        Make sure someone knows your travel plans.

·        While driving, keep vehicles clear of ice and snow.

·        Plan stops and keep distance between cars. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

For more safety tips, please visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services website at https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety-and-prevention.