Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare and Urges New Yorkers to Use Caution as Coastal Storm Expected to Impact State Through Weekend

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed State agencies to prepare for a coastal storm expected to impact New York State through the weekend and urged New Yorkers, particularly those in shoreline and low-lying coastal communities on Long Island, and in New York City and the lower Mid-Hudson, to take necessary precautions ahead of the storm forecasted to bring high winds, dangerous surf and potential flooding.

"We do not currently anticipate widespread damage from this system but hazards along our coastlines, including dangerous surf and flooding, pose a very real threat to personal safety," Governor Hochul said. "We also know how quickly coastal storms can change course, so I urge New Yorkers in the affected regions to stay vigilant, monitor local weather forecasts and be ready to act if conditions change. Our state agencies are closely tracking this storm, and we want to ensure everyone remains safe, informed and prepared."

Strong, gusty winds are expected to develop mid-week as the storm intensifies off the coast. Starting Wednesday afternoon, persistent winds combined with high tides will likely cause minor to moderate coastal flooding and beach erosion. The storm begins mid-week, but coastal flooding and high surf threats are forecast to last through the weekend. Depending on the storm's exact path, which remains highly uncertain, periods of rain and gusty winds are also possible late Friday into the weekend, especially in New York City and on Long Island.

Due to the potential for heavy downpours, the National Weather Service has issued the following localized alerts:

• Saturday through Saturday Night: A Marginal Risk for Excessive Rainfall and isolated flash flooding is in effect for eastern Long Island.
• Sunday through Sunday Night: A Marginal Risk for Excessive Rainfall and isolated flash flooding remains in effect for extreme eastern Long Island.

There is also a high risk of dangerous, life-threatening rip currents at all ocean beaches lasting through the weekend. Swimming will be highly dangerous, with breaking waves at the beach potentially growing taller than six feet by Wednesday, and offshore ocean seas forecast to exceed 12 feet by Thursday. The severity of wind and flooding impacts will depend on the storm's precise path over the coming days.

New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

State Agency Preparations

Governor Hochul directed State agencies to monitor the impact of the storm and stand ready to respond and assist.

Office of Emergency Management

The State's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with its local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate any local requests for assistance. State stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center, New York's 24/7 alert and warning hub, is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,389 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,397 large dump trucks
• 328 large loaders
• 97 chippers
• 91 tracked and wheeled excavators
• 33 water pumps
• 28 traffic and tree crew bucket trucks
• 32 traffic tower platforms
• 20 vacuum trucks with sewer jets

The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org, New York State's official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is prepared to respond to weather-related impacts across the state with personnel and equipment positioned to address storm-related conditions. Resources include small and medium-sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable message boards, light towers, generators, pumps, equipment-hauling trailers and traffic control devices to support detours and closures as needed. Variable Message Signs and social media channels are used to keep motorists informed of changing conditions.

Motorists are encouraged to download the newly redesigned NYS Thruway mobile app, available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides access to real-time traffic information and live traffic cameras, service area information, toll calculator, roadside assistance requests and E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail information. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, follow @ThruwayTraffic on X, or visit thruway.ny.gov for the latest travel information and an interactive statewide traffic map.

Department of Public Service

New York's utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State. The utilities will work with the local, county and state transportation agencies to navigate closed roadways in any areas experiencing flooding. Department of Public Service staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

New York State Police

The New York State Police is closely monitoring the forecast and coordinating with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Department of Transportation, the Thruway Authority, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and local partners as the nor'easter approaches the state.

Troopers and specialized units remain ready and available across all regions to respond to weather-related emergencies, assist motorists and support local communities if conditions deteriorate. As the storm develops, State Police will continue to evaluate staffing and operational needs and strategically stage personnel and equipment in areas where additional resources may be needed.

State Police remind motorists to monitor weather and road conditions, use caution when traveling and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.

Department of Environmental Conservation

The Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas.

DEC reminds local officials to watch for potential flooding in their communities. Municipalities are encouraged to undertake local assessments of flood-prone areas and to remove any accumulating debris. DEC permits and authorization are not required to remove debris unless stream banks or beds will be disturbed by debris removal and/or the use of heavy equipment. Municipalities and local governments are advised to contact DEC's Regional Permit Administrators if assistance is required and to help determine if a permit is necessary.

If a permit is necessary, DEC can issue Emergency Authorizations to expedite approval of projects in place of an individual permit. DEC approves Emergency Authorizations for situations that are deemed an emergency based on the immediate protection of life, health, general welfare, property or natural resources.

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. Jones Beach State Park maintenance staff have reinforced a sand berm to protect the Central Mall and main boardwalk area from flooding. State Parks staff have stockpiled and placed sandbags around vulnerable buildings at oceanfront parks. The beaches have been cleared of all non-essential equipment as well as trash receptacles and signage. Storm drains and runoff areas are being checked and cleared as needed. Swimming is closed for the season.

For additional updates regarding park hours, openings and closings, visit parks.ny.gov, check the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app, or call your local park office.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues.

MTA crews will inspect drains in flood-prone areas to ensure they are functional, while supervisors will monitor those locations for reports of flooding. Elevator and escalator specialists will also be deployed to flood-prone locations to address any weather-related issues.

In the event of high winds, MTA Bridges and Tunnels could implement a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks during peak wind periods. Pedestrian walkways on bridges may also be closed if high winds are forecast.

Customers are encouraged to check the MTA app and/or TrainTime app for the latest service updates and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers can also sign up for real-time service alerts or visit mta.info before traveling.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is closely monitoring weather forecasts and working with airport terminal operators and other airport partners in preparation. Air travelers should check with their airlines for updated information on their flights or check the Federal Aviation Administration website for any FAA programs that may affect flight operations at their departure airport before leaving for the airport and allow for additional travel time.

Motorists who use the Port Authority's six bridges and tunnels are strongly encouraged to sign up for email alerts, bus riders can use the MyTerminal app for real-time alerts on bus service at the Midtown Bus Terminal, or for PATH riders, check train service information via the PATH mobile app, RidePATH.

Safety Tips for New Yorkers

To prepare for high winds, coastal flooding and heavy rain, New Yorkers should take the following precautions:

• Stay Out of the Water: Avoid swimming, surfing or boating. Extremely dangerous rip currents and high surf make entering the ocean life-threatening. Stay off rock jetties and beaches where sudden high waves can sweep you into the water.
• Do Not Drive Through Flooded Roads: If you encounter water on the roadway, turn around and find an alternate route. As little as six inches of moving water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, and two feet of water can sweep a car away.
• Secure Outdoor Items: High winds can turn loose items into dangerous projectiles. Secure patio furniture, trash cans, umbrellas and other outdoor decorations.
• Prepare for Potential Power Outages: Charge your cell phones and other essential mobile devices. Keep flashlights and fresh batteries handy. Avoid using candles for emergency lighting due to fire risks.
• Stay Clear of Downed Power Lines: Never touch or go near downed utility lines, as they may still be live and highly dangerous. Report downed lines immediately to your local utility provider.
• Check on Neighbors: If safe to do so, check on vulnerable neighbors, friends and family members - especially the elderly or those with functional needs - to ensure they are safe and prepared.

For more preparedness information and safety tips from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, visit dhses.ny.gov.