Governor Hochul Provides Update on Nor'easter Impacting Upstate New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the nor'easter that dumped heavy snow overnight in several upstate regions and is expected to continue impacting several regions through Wednesday as more snow and wind gusts will impact travel conditions on Tuesday. Some parts of the North Country experienced nearly two feet of snow with peak snowfall rates of six inches per hour, parts of the Capital Region received a foot and a half of snow, and the Mid-Hudson and the Southern Tier Regions received more than a foot of snow since Monday night. Heavy, wet snow is expected to continue with gusty winds up to 45 mph Tuesday afternoon that will increase the chances of power outages. Impacted regions are forecast to receive up to an additional foot snowfall by Wednesday morning.

"As forecasted, several regions experienced between a foot and two feet of snow overnight and conditions will continue to be hazardous for travel throughout the evening Tuesday," Governor Hochul said. "My team is in constant contact with local officials and the National Guard is at the ready to assist with any necessary emergency response over the next two days as power outages remain a concern."

As of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, there were approximately 87,000 power outages statewide as a result of the storm, with the majority of outages impacting counties in the Capital Region.

As of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, the New York State Thruway Authority, New York State Police and New York State Department of Transportation have lifted all previous restrictions on tandem and empty tractor-trailers that began Monday evening.

The State's Emergency Operations Center activated Monday morning to further coordinate the State's response to the weather event. On Monday evening, in advance of the nor'easter, Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency for counties in the eastern part of the state, north of Westchester County. Governor Hochul also activated the New York National Guard, which mobilized on Monday to assist the State's response in the Capital and Mid-Hudson Regions. There are more than 100 personnel and 20 vehicles on standby to assist emergency response missions.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "This winter storm has already dumped nearly two feet of snow in some of the eastern regions of the state, north of Westchester County, with heavy, wet snow causing power outages. As power restoration and snow removal efforts continue, please check on your neighbors and loved ones to make sure they are weathering the storm safely.

Multiple winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect for the eastern part of New York State, north of New York City. Additional warnings and/or advisories may be issued. For a listing of weather alerts in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.

Safety Tips

Travel

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• Do not drive unless necessary.
• 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 cell phone 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.
• 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. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while its operating.

Power Outages

• 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 winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

Report an Electric Outage

• Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
• Con Edison: 800-752-6633
• National Grid: 800-867-5222
• NYSEG: 800-572-1131
• O&R: 877-434-4100
• PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
• RG&E: 800-743-1701

Heating Safety

• Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters.
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces.
• Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work.
• If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
  • Follow the manufacturers' instructions.
  • Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
  • Refuel outdoors only and only when the unit is cool.
  • Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
  • When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

For more Winter safety tips, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety.

For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit 211nys.org.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, find DHSES on Facebook, on Twitter or visit dhses.ny.gov.