Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State Preparations Ahead of Severe Winter Storm

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State Preparations Ahead of Severe Winter Storm

Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on ongoing State preparedness efforts ahead of a severe winter storm set to impact the state and directed all non-essential employees to telecommute on Monday. Yesterday, Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency in Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Greene, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and contiguous counties, and activated the New York National Guard as a blizzard is forecast to hit the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island, and severe winter weather conditions are expected throughout the rest of the Hudson Valley.

Forecasts now indicate 18 to 24 inches of snow with winds potentially gusting at more than 65 mph on Long Island and in New York City. The Hudson Valley is forecast to see 12 to 18 inches of snow, while the Capital Region could see 8 to 12 inches. Other areas statewide will see totals from one to six inches of snow. These blizzard conditions will create extremely dangerous travel conditions, coastal flooding and the potential for power outages.

Beginning Sunday, 100 members of the New York National Guard with 25 vehicles will be staged across the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island to support Downstate response operations and local partners. Additionally, the State Emergency Operations Center was activated Sunday morning.

Severe winter weather conditions have shifted northward overnight, leading to upgraded warnings and watches across the southeastern part of the state. Blizzard Warnings are in effect for Westchester, New York, Bronx, Richmond, Kings, Queens, Suffolk, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Dutchess and Ulster Counties. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for Greene, Schoharie, Schenectady, Albany, Rensselaer, Otsego, Delaware and Sullivan Counties. A Winter Storm Watch is also in effect for Chautauqua County.

New Yorkers should take this storm seriously, prepare now, monitor local forecasts and stay home throughout the duration of the storm. Governor Hochul directed all non-essential State employees who live or work in counties with an active Blizzard Warning to stay home on Monday and work remotely, where feasible. Private employers are also strongly encouraged to allow employees to work remotely on Monday.

Long Island Rail Road service will be suspended effective 1 a.m. Monday, with the suspension expected to last through the morning rush. Metro-North Railroad will run hourly service on the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven lines and weekend service on the Connecticut and Wassaicbranches. Subway service changes and delays are expected overnight Sunday into Monday, as express tracks are used to store trains underground during heavy snowfall. MTA paratransit services will be suspended starting at 9 p.m. tonight. MTA bus service will continue to run, but road conditions may impact service.

All empty commercial vehicles and all tandem tractor trailers will be banned from travel on I-84 and all roads south of I-84, including all Thruway system roads. All other commercial vehicles will be restricted to the right lane on I-84 and all roadways south of I-84, including all Thruway system roads in Orange, Rockland, and Westchester counties. These restrictions will begin at 4 p.m. today and end when conditions allow.

New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones, and register for real-time weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division's Office of Emergency Management 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 Emergency Operations Center will be activated beginning Sunday and the State Watch Center, New York's 24/7 alert and warning hub, is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely. The State Fire Operations Center has also been activated.

Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,737 supervisors and operators. Regional crews are currently engaged in snow and ice response and preparation activities. 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. To support response activities in critical areas, three loader-mounted snow blowers are being deployed to the Long Island Region.

To support critical snow and ice operations in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island, 127 staff will be deployed from other regions as follows.

• Capital Region: sending four operators to the Hudson Valley and four operators to Long Island
• Mohawk Valley: sending four equipment operator instructors to the Hudson Valley and 21 operators and three supervisors to Long Island
• Central New York: sending two equipment operator instructors to the Hudson Valley and 16 operators and two supervisors to Long Island
• Finger Lakes: sending 14 operators, one supervisor and two equipment operator instructors to the Hudson Valley
• Western New York: sending 12 operators and two supervisors to the Hudson Valley
• Western Southern Tier: sending 10 operators and one supervisor to the Hudson Valley
• North Country - sending two equipment operator instructors to the Hudson Valley and 16 operators and two supervisors to Long Island
• Eastern Southern Tier - sending eight operators and one supervisor to Long Island
• In total, the Hudson Valley region is receiving 40 operators, four supervisors, and 10 equipment operator instructors (54 total staff).
• In total, Long Island is receiving 65 operators and eight supervisors (73 total staff).

A previous deployment of 3 loader-blowers to Long Island has already been executed.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,642 large plow trucks (Hudson Valley: 259, Long Island: 254)
• 149 medium duty plows (Hudson Valley: 35, Long Island: 19)
• 56 tow plows (Hudson Valley: 3, Long Island: 1)
• 334 large loaders (Hudson Valley: 51, Long Island: 35)
• 33 snow blowers (Hudson Valley: 1, Long Island: 1)

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 https://www.511NY.org, New York State's official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 691 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 345 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 11 tow plows
• 62 loaders
• 105,000+ tons of salt on hand

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

Drivers are reminded that Thruway snowplows travel at about 35 miles per hour - which in many cases is slower than the posted speed limit - in order to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and treated.

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 information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

Department of Public Service

The New York State Department of Public Service remains engaged with the regulated electric and gas utilities to ensure adequate preparations are being made for the winter coastal storm system. The Department's priority remains on safeguarding reliable and resilient electric and gas service for New Yorkers throughout this storm by maintaining regulatory oversight of the utilities' preparedness and response to any outages that may occur.

New York's utilities currently have about 6,016 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State. This includes more than 500 mutual aid workers secured by PSEG-LI, Con Edison, O&R, and NYSEG. Utility crews are prepared to respond in these adverse conditions and are implementing resource plans, including shifting resources to support areas anticipated to receive the greatest impact. Department staff will continue to track utilities' work throughout the event.

The Department has additional information available on Winter Preparedness, including Winter Safety and current consumer protections available at: Winter Preparedness | Department of Public Service. The public is encouraged to contact the Department's Office of Consumer Services for complaints or concerns regarding their utility Contact Us | Department of Public Service.

New York State Police

The State Police has added extra patrols to the areas that will be affected by the storm, and additional personnel will be deployed as needed. State Police have also moved additional four-wheel-drive utility task vehicles to Long Island, and all four-wheel drive vehicles and snowmobiles are staged and ready for activation.

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. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to extreme temperatures, high winds, freezing rain, snow, and ice.

DEC reminds those responsible for the removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help prevent flooding and reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash, and other debris from affecting water quality. Disposal of snow in local creeks and streams can create ice dams, which may cause flooding. Public and private snow removal operators should be aware of these safety issues during and after winter storms. Additional information is available at Division of Water Technical and Operational Guidance Series: Snow Disposal.

Hiking Safety

Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails, as well as trails that cross rivers and streams during major storm and extreme cold weather events. Hikers are encouraged to check DEC's webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information. Unpredictable winter weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and other backcountry areas can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions.

Visitors must be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice, and cold to ensure a safe winter experience. Snow depths range greatly throughout the Adirondacks, with the deepest snow at higher elevations in the High Peaks region and other mountains over 3,000 feet. Lower elevation trails have mixed conditions of snow, ice, and slush including many trails in the Catskill Mountains where the potential for icy and dangerous trail conditions exist.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS. While some waterways may appear frozen, anyone venturing on waterbodies should review ice safety guidelines before heading out.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Temporary closures and limited public access is expected at State Parks in Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley due to the storm. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

Park Police are prepared to support emergency operations using UTVs and 4-wheel drive trucks. Parks Operations sawyer crews are on standby to assist with clearing downed trees and branches from the roadway.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

With the anticipated winter weather conditions, customers are strongly encouraged to check MTA.info or the MTA app for subway and bus service updates, and the TrainTime app for commuter rail information before traveling.

Crews across subways, railroads, and buses are working to keep service moving during the storm. Subway and railroad teams are monitoring switches and tracks, while clearing snow from platforms, stairs, and entrances.

Subway

• Most subway service will operate local; all scheduled track and renewal projects are suspended to prioritize storm response.

Railroads

• The Long Island Rail Road will begin a scheduled suspension of service on all branches effective 1 a.m. Monday morning and through the morning rush.
• Metro-North Railroad will run hourly service on the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven lines and weekend service on the Connecticut and Wassaic branches.

Buses

• Longer articulated buses have been replaced with 40-foot standard buses equipped with chained wheels.
• Bus service will be adjusted based on road conditions around the city and service curtailments or changes on a route-by-route basis are possible.

Bridges and Tunnels

• From 7 p.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Monday, empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks are prohibited on the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Cross-Bay Bridge, Henry Hudson Bridge, Marine Parkway Bridge, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, Throgs Neck Bridge, and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is closely monitoring weather forecasts and is 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. To view the latest updates on service changes at Port Authority facilities, click here.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

• Monitor the forecast for your local area and areas you may be travelling to.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like 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.
• If you have a cellphone or other communications device such as a 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.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. 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.
• Do not go near or touch fallen or sagging power lines: treat all wires as live and dangerous. Keep children and pets away from fallen electric wires. Never touch any lines or any items that are in contact with lines.
• Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• If heat goes out during a storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

To Report an Electric Outage, Call:

Central Hudson: Electric: 800-527-2714 or Gas: 800-942-8274

Con Ed: Electric: 800-752-6633 or Gas: 800-752-6633

Corning Gas: 800-834-2134

Liberty Utilities (St. Lawrence Gas) Corp.: 800-673-3301

National Fuel Gas: 1-800-444-3130

National Grid:

• Electric: 800-867-5222
• Long Island (gas): 1-800-490-0045
• Metro NYC (gas): 1-718-643-4050
• Upstate (gas): 1-800-892-2345

NYSEG: Electric: 800-572-1131 or Gas: 800-572-1121

O&R: Electric: 877-434-4100 or Gas: 800-533-5325

PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075

RG&E: Electric: 800-743-1701 or Gas: 800-743-1702

Contact the Governor's Press Office