Monday, January 6, 2025
Governor Hochul Commutes on Metro-North to New York City and Highlights State of the State Proposal to Improve Hudson Valley Rail Service
Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Take Precautions as Extreme Cold Expected to Impact State This Week
Dangerously Cold Overnight Temperatures Across the State Through Thursday
North Country “Feels-Like” Temperatures Likely To Be -30 to -20º
Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, Central New York, Western New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier Can Expect “Feels-Like” Temperatures of -20 to 0º
New York City and Long Island Will Experience
“Feels-Like” Temperatures of 1 to 14º
Scattered Snow Showers With Wind Gusts Between 40 – 45 mph Possible This Week in North Country and Central New York Regions
Increased Risk of Frostbite and Hypothermia Will Occur With Prolonged Exposure to Cold Temperatures
Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to take precautions as extreme cold temperatures and gusty winds this week will bring an increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Very cold overnight temperatures can be expected across the state through Thursday with the coldest temperatures expected in the North Country. Overnight “feels like” temperatures of -30 to -20ºF are likely in the North Country with the Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, Central New York, Western New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier Regions expecting “feels-like” temperatures of -20F to 0ºF. New York City and Long Island Will experience “feels-like” temperatures of 1 to 14º.
“As extreme cold temperatures move into our state over the coming days, I encourage New Yorkers to take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe,” Governor Hochul said. “These conditions pose an extraordinary risk to anyone who is exposed to the elements or is unable to adequately heat their home, and my administration is mobilizing State resources to help respond as needed.”
For most of the state, minimum temperatures normally range between 8 to 20ºF for this time of year, while the Adirondacks typically see temperatures slightly lower, ranging between 4 to 10ºF and the coastal regions generally experiencing slightly warmer temperatures ranging between 18 to 26ºF.
Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect for parts of the North Country through Wednesday. Gusty winds could cause periods of blowing snow, low visibility and some power outages. Scattered snow showers are possible throughout the week in parts of the North Country, Central New York and Western New York Regions. A widespread 1-3 inches of snow is expected with highest accumulations in Central New York and the North Country where snowfall totals of up to ten inches are possible and higher accumulations possible in Western New York. Blustery, cold conditions combined with snowfall will increase the risk of blowing snow on roadways. Another winter storm is expected to pass near New York State this weekend with the potential to bring snow, gusty winds and some rain to portions of the state, mainly on Saturday.
For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to “NY-Alert” at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.
Eligible households can receive one Regular HEAP benefit per season and could also be eligible for up to two Emergency HEAP benefits if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. New Yorkers can apply at ny.gov/heat. Applications for assistance are also accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted through the mail or in person. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871. Residents can apply for Emergency HEAP benefits by contacting their local HEAP contact.
Warming Centers
Warming centers will be available in communities as needed and individuals are urged to contact their local governments to find one near them.
Avoiding Frostbite and Hypothermia
The New York State Department of Health advises New Yorkers to prevent serious injury and dangerous health complications that can result from colder weather and winter activities. Cold Weather tips from the Department of Health can be found here; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia can be found here; information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be found here; information on the proper use of generators can be found here; safe winter driving tips can be found here.
Working in the Cold
The New York State Department of Labor advises workers and employers to engage in extreme cold weather best practices such as:
- Limit outdoor work, provide frequent breaks in warm areas and schedule outdoor work during the warmest times of the day.
- Ensure access to clean drinking water.
- Stay hydrated with warm beverages and avoid drinking caffeine.
- Wear proper PPE, including at least three layers of clothing, gloves or mittens, thick socks, insulated footwear and a hat, hood or hard hat liner.
More Information on best practices for working in cold weather can be found here.
Agency Activities
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.
Unpredictable winter weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills and other backcountry areas can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should 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, slush and mud including many trails in the Catskill Mountains where the potential for icy trail conditions exists.
While there is ice present on some waterways, DEC advises outdoor enthusiasts to review ice safety guidelines before heading out.
Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails and trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures and general recreation information.
Backcountry visitors should Hike Smart and follow proper safety guidelines. Plan trips accordingly. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.
CRIME DOWN ACROSS NEW YORK CITY IN 2024, WITH 3,662 FEWER CRIMES
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced that 2024 concluded with a nearly 3% reduction in overall index crime, which equates to 3,662 fewer incidents and thousands of fewer victims of violence and disorder across the five boroughs. The index crime categories of murder, robbery, burglary, grand larceny, and grand larceny—auto each saw sizable reductions across New York City in 2024, led, in part, by hefty drops during the month of December in five of the seven major crime categories. Overall index crime in December, compared to the same month in 2023, decreased by 15.5%, the largest one-month decrease since February 2021.
The NYPD’s laser-like focus on criminals who use illegal guns drove significant declines for the third straight year in both the number of shooting incidents—which were down 7.3%, or 71 incidents—and the number of shooting victims—which were down 4.2%, or 48 victims.
Additionally, 2024 was the second consecutive year of index crime decline within the nation’s largest subway system, with a 5.4% reduction. The decrease in subway index crime represents an end-of-year decline that more than doubled the reduction realized 12 months ago. Crime in New York City public housing complexes also precipitously dropped, by 4.5%, in 2024, eradicating the prior year’s modest increase.
“The dedicated efforts of the women and men of the NYPD are making a significant and lasting impact in neighborhoods across our great city,” said Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Through precision policing, particularly as it relates to gun violence, lives are being saved every day in New York. Our officers are leveraging state-of-the-art technology, effectively building and closing high-quality cases, and strengthening crucial relationships that contribute to our success. While there were thousands fewer victims of major crimes—including shootings, murders, robberies, and other violent acts—in 2024, there is still much more work to be done to keep New Yorkers safe, to make them feel safe, and to improve their overall quality of life in the year ahead. And there is one glaring issue in this battle: Recidivism. We need common sense changes to alleviate the persistent problem of recidivism. That is what the people we serve rightfully expect and deserve.”
A data-driven organization, the NYPD again applied precision policing in 2024, positioning thousands of uniformed police officers on foot patrols in segments of the city experiencing disproportionately high levels of crime. The powerful deterrent to crime achieved shooting reductions in four of New York City’s five geographical boroughs. In December, across the city, there were 11 fewer shooting incidents (61 vs. 72, a 15.3% reduction) compared to the previous December, equating to 12 fewer shooting victims (78 vs. 90, a 13.3% decrease). For the complete year, there were 71 fewer shooting incidents (903 vs. 974, a 7.3% reduction) and 48 fewer shooting victims (1,102 vs. 1,150, a 4.2% decrease). Concurrently, NYPD officers arrested 4,061 people for illegal possession of a gun in 2024, and took more than 6,150 illegal firearms off the streets.
Arrests for all major index crimes citywide increased by 7.2% (57,003 vs. 53,197) for all of 2024.
*All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revision, or change.*
Index Crime Statistics: December 2024
Dec. 2024 |
Dec. 2023 | +/- | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Murder | 24 | 25 | -1 | -4.0% |
Rape | 142 | 136 | 6 | 4.4% |
Robbery | 1156 | 1585 | -429 | -27.1% |
Felony Assault | 2230 | 2216 | 14 | .6% |
Burglary | 1076 | 1112 | -36 | -3.2% |
Grand Larceny | 3548 | 4426 | -878 | -19.8% |
Grand Larceny Auto | 912 | 1259 | -347 | -27.6% |
TOTAL | 9088 | 10759 | -1671 | -15.5% |
| Dec. 2024 | Dec. 2023 | +/- | % Change |
Murder | 337 | 391 | -14 | -3.6% |
Rape | 1748 | 1470 | 278 | 18.9% |
Robbery | 16556 | 16940 | -384 | -2.3% |
Felony Assault | 29417 | 28003 | 1414 | .6% |
Burglary | 13029 | 13816 | -787 | -5.7% |
Grand Larceny | 48423 | 50968 | -2545 | -5.0% |
Grand Larceny Auto | 14194 | 15818 | -1624 | -10.3% |
TOTAL | 123744 | 127406 | -3662 | -2.9% |
Additional Statistics: December 2024
| Dec. 2024 | Dec. 2023 | +/- | % Change |
Transit | 185 | 200 | -15 | -7.5% |
Housing | 456 | 488 | -32 | -6.6% |
Shooting Incidents | 61 | 72 | -11 | -15.3 |
Additional Statistics: EOY 2024
2024 |
2023 |
+/- | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Transit | 2211 | 2337 | -126 | -5.4% |
Housing | 5921 | 6201 | -280 | -4.5% |
Shooting Incidents | 903 | 974 | -71 | -7.3% |
Hate Crimes Statistics: Oct. 2024
(Representing Dec. 1 – Dec. 31 for calendar years 2024 and 2023)
Motivation | 2024 | 2023 | Diff | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Asian | 2 | 12 | -10 | -83% |
Black | 3 | 8 | -5 | -63% |
Ethnic | 1 | 5 | -4 | -80% |
Gender | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0% |
Hispanic | 0 | 10 | -10 | 100% |
Jewish | 22 | 48 | -26 | -54% |
Muslim | 1 | 6 | -5 | -83% |
Religion | 2 | 3 | -1 | -33% |
Sexual Orientation | 11 | 20 | -9 | -45% |
White | 0 | 4 | -4 | 100% |
Grand Total | 43 | 117 | -74 | -63% |
Hate Crimes Statistics: EOY 2024
(Representing Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 for calendar years 2024 and 2023)
Motivation | 2024 | 2023 | Diff | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Asian | 35 | 52 | -17 | -33% |
Black | 38 | 54 | -16 | -30% |
Ethnic | 33 | 30 | 3 | 10% |
Gender | 26 | 20 | 6 | 10% |
Hispanic | 11 | 20 | -9 | 45% |
Jewish | 345 | 323 | 22 | 7% |
Muslim | 43 | 26 | 22 | 65% |
Religion | 21 | 15 | 6 | 40% |
Sexual Orientation | 78 | 106 | -28 | -26% |
White | 11 | 15 | -14 | -56% |
Grand Total | 641 | 671 | -30 | -4% |