Video & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Incoming Coastal Storm

Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul 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 will begin impacting New York State Friday and is expected to last through Sunday. The Governor cautioned New Yorkers, particularly those in shoreline and low-lying coastal communities on Long Island, 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 starting Friday afternoon with the worst impacts expected Friday night through Sunday morning.

VIDEO: The Governor's remarks are available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:

New Yorkers, a Nor' Easter is arriving as we speak. I want everybody to be real smart. This is going to be a difficult storm between now and Monday morning. Lots of rain, lots of coastal flooding, perhaps even some erosion that could lead to down trees and that means down power lines. I've declared a State of Emergency to cover all of Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk, New York City, as well as Westchester counties. We're keeping an eye on this and I want to keep you informed. So make sure you stay tuned to all of our emergency channels and know this - with this State of Emergency, we're going to take this very seriously. We've deployed utility crews and other assets like swiftwater rescue to keep you safe. Do your part and we'll do ours.