Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency as Coastal Storm Hits New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced she is declaring a State of Emergency for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Westchester Counties in response to a coastal storm that began impacting New York State Friday morning and is expected to last through Sunday. The Governor cautioned 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 as the storm is forecast to bring high winds, dangerous surf, and potential flooding. Governor Hochul activated the State Emergency Operations Center to a state of enhanced monitoring with the worst impacts expected Friday night through Sunday morning.

"I'm declaring a State of Emergency for Nassau, Suffolk, New York City and Westchester as this powerful coastal storm bears down on the region," Governor Hochul said. "We're expecting dangerous coastal flooding, strong winds and potential power outages through the weekend. Take this storm seriously. Stay alert, and avoid unnecessary travel."

Coastal flooding is a primary concern with this system, particularly during high tide cycles with a Coastal Flood Warning issued for Long Island, New York City and the lower Mid-Hudson.

The worst flooding is expected along the south shore of Long Island, as well as parts of lower New York Harbor and coastal areas of the Bronx, Westchester, and northern Nassau County along the Long Island Sound. Additionally, marine hazards will be significant due to dangerous sea conditions, strong rip currents, and tall waves (4-7 ft along Long Island Sound, 7-15 ft on Western Long Island, and 15-22 ft on Eastern Long Island). On the water, gale and storm force winds will create dangerous sea conditions and tall waves, and people should avoid boating, recreating in the water, or being on beaches.

Strong winds, with gusts up to 60 mph, will bring down trees and power lines causing power outages. Currently, there are 5,675 workers available statewide to support response, restoration, and repairs. This includes 175 overhead mutual aid contractors secured by Con Edison. Cut and toss crews have also been pre-staged to support debris clearance from possible downed trees.

A long duration and widespread rain of 1.5-3 inches is expected, with 3-5 inches of rain possible on eastern Long Island. Isolated flash flooding is a concern, primarily on eastern Long Island, but rainfall rates are not expected to exceed 1 inch per hour. The Office of Fire Prevention and Control has pre-staged high axle vehicles and swift water rescue teams.

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.

Safety Tips for New Yorkers

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

• Stay Informed: Regularly check local weather forecasts for updates on the storm's track and intensity. Ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on your mobile phone.
• 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.

State Agency Preparations

Governor Hochul directed State agencies earlier this week to prepare for the coastal storm and stand ready to respond and assist as we monitor the impacts of the storm:

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The State's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been in contact with its local partners on Long Island, New York City, and lower Hudson Valley for several days and will stay engaged throughout. OEM is prepared to facilitate any local requests for assistance with State stockpiles 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.

The Office of Fire Prevention and Control has also pre-staged high axle vehicles and swift water rescue teams.

Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with 3,375 supervisors and operators available statewide, with regional crews currently engaged in preparations for the upcoming weather event. Drainage inlets, culverts and other drainage structures are being inspected and cleared of accumulated debris, routine patrols are being conducted to maintain awareness of general conditions, and equipment is being readied for dispatch. All impacted residency locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.

Motorists are reminded to treat dark traffic signals as all-way stops. In the event a traffic signal is malfunctioning or completely out of service due to a power outage, motorists should come to a complete stop and then take turns proceeding through the intersection.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1404 large dump trucks
• 50 loader-grapple attachments
• 324 loaders
• 20 vacuum trucks with sewer jet
• 91 tracked and wheeled excavators
• 10 tree crew bucket trucks
• 32 traffic signal trucks
• 33 water pumps
• 96 chippers

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

The New York State regulated electric utilities in the areas forecasted to receive the greatest impacts have been coordinating preparations throughout the week, including refining and updating their respective resource plans for this incident. Currently, there are 5,675 workers available statewide to support response, restoration, and repairs. This includes 175 overhead mutual aid contractors secured by Con Edison. Department of Public Service staff will maintain contact and communications with the utilities on storm impacts, outage information and restorations, and will ensure the utilities are working with partner agencies on any infrastructure safety and/or road clearing.

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. Working with partner agencies, including coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to monitor coastal resiliency projects, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

DEC reminds local officials to watch for potential flooding and coastal erosion 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. Additionally, two sawyer crews are on standby to assist with clearing roadways of downed trees and limbs.

Swimming is not currently allowed at New York State Park beaches. Boaters should follow these tips to keep themselves and their boats safe during the storm:

• Monitor the weather
• Get off the water before the storm arrives
• Always wear a life jacket
• Have a backup plan and know where your closest shelter is
• File a float plan with a trusted person on shore.

If you own a boat, remember to secure the boat to the dock (if applicable); store or remove loose equipment, and ensure bilge pumps are on and working.

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

Due to high winds, MTA Bridges and Tunnels is implementing a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks beginning Saturday, Sept. 26, at 12:01 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. 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