Governor Hochul Urges Caution in Advance of Winter Weather Expected to Bring Significant Snow in Eastern Parts of the State Beginning Monday Evening

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to take necessary precautions as a winter storm is forecast to impact most of the state with heavy snow and high winds beginning Monday night in parts of the Capital, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, North Country and Southern Tier regions. Steady snow will begin Monday evening and continue throughout the night bringing moderate-to-heavy snowfall statewide, with peak snowfall rates of one inch or more per hour and wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour. At least one-to-two inches of snowfall is expected statewide with pockets of freezing rain and up to six inches of snow in the Finger Lakes, Long Island, New York City, and Western New York regions. These conditions will create hazardous travel impacting the Monday evening and especially the Tuesday morning commute in impacted regions. Heavy and wet snow may cause localized power outages. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to monitor their local forecast and prepare for changing weather conditions if traveling Monday night and into Tuesday.

“Another winter storm will impact most of the state starting tonight with snow or a mix of icy precipitation and high winds that will ultimately impact travel in the eastern part of the state on Tuesday morning,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies are preparing emergency response assets and we are ready to assist local governments before, during and after the storm. I encourage everyone to keep an eye on the weather this week and stay safe.”

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Heavy snow and high winds are going to impact many regions of our state starting tonight with some regions experiencing freezing rain that will make it dangerous to travel Monday evening into Tuesday. If you must travel over the next two days, be aware of changing weather conditions and build out extra time in your travel schedule to stay safe.”

Winter Storm Warnings are currently in effect for counties in the Capital, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, Central NY, North Country, and Southern Tier regions through Tuesday night. Other Warnings, Watches and Advisories may be issued for this statewide weather event. For a complete listing of weather warnings in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.

Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division is actively monitoring the weather forecast and coordinating the State’s response to the weather event. Office of Emergency Management staff are in contact with localities and are prepared to facilitate requests for assistance from local governments and deploy assets from the State's stockpiles, if necessary.

Department of Public Service
New York's utilities have approximately 6,300 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts for this week’s winter weather event. This includes an additional 456 external line workers secured by NYSEG, 100 line workers secured by Con Edison, 130 line workers secured by Orange & Rockland, and 125 line workers secured by National Grid. DPS staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

Department of Transportation
The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with 3,614 supervisors and operators available statewide. 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.

To support snow and ice activities in critical areas, a total of 59 staff, including 40 plow truck operators, 5 supervisors, 13 equipment operator instructors, and 1 safety representative are being deployed. They are distributed as follows:

• Capital Region:
  • Receiving 1 equipment operator instructor from DOT’s main office.
• Mid-Hudson:
  • Receiving 4 equipment operator instructors and 1 safety representative from the Mohawk Valley
  • Receiving 10 plow operators, 2 supervisors, and 2 equipment operator instructors from the Finger Lakes
  • Receiving 15 plow operators, 1 supervisor, and 1 equipment operator instructor from Western NY
  • Receiving 5 plow operators and 1 supervisor from the Western Southern Tier
  • Receiving 2 equipment operator instructors from the Eastern Southern Tier
  • Receiving 10 plow operators, 1 supervisor, and 3 equipment operator instructors from Long Island
• The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event.

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. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1609 large plow trucks
• 156 medium duty plows
• 52 tow plows
• 337 large loaders
• 36 snow blowers

Tow truck services will be provided in the following locations: I-81 (Onondaga County) and the Lower Hudson Valley. The need for additional tow trucks will be evaluated throughout the duration of the event.

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511ny.org or the mobile site at m.511ny.org, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority staff is monitoring the forecast and ready to respond with 677 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 363 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 11 tow plows
• 68 loaders
• More than 122,000 tons of salt on hand

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

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 which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

State Police
The State Police will monitor conditions and assign extra patrols to areas that are significantly impacted by the storm. All four-wheel drive and specialty vehicles are in service, including utility task vehicles and snowmobiles.

Safety Tips

Travel

• Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:
• Do not drive unless necessary.
• Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.
• 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.
• To Report an Electric Outage, Call:
  • 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.
• Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation.
• 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.