Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Statewide Winter Storm Impacts and State Agency Response

 

Travel Advisories and Restrictions Implemented Across State Highways

Areas in Upper Mid-Hudson and Lower Capital District Received Up to Half Inch of Ice from Sleet, Freezing Rain and Snow Mix Overnight

Up to Foot or More of Snow in Locations in Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, and North Country

 Governor Kathy Hochul today provided an update to New Yorkers on statewide winter storm impacts and state agency response efforts as a storm system continues to impact most of the state with heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain, knocking out power to more than 52,000 customers. Areas in the upper Mid-Hudson and the lower Capital District Regions received up to a half inch of sleet and freezing rain overnight, as well as a mix of snow. Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, and the North Country received up to a foot or more of snow with several additional inches of snow forecast through this afternoon. While downstate areas have seen mostly rain, freezing rain is forecast to impact the lower Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island Regions starting this morning and continuing through the evening commute.

"New Yorkers are waking up this morning to a lot of snow or a messy mixture of sleet and freezing rain that has already made travel treacherous and brought down tree limbs and power lines," Governor Hochul said. "I urge New Yorkers to stay vigilant and avoid all travel, especially in areas where the mix of sleet and freezing rain is making roadways extremely dangerous. We will continue to monitor conditions, deploy assets as necessary and provide support to local governments if needed."

In coordination with the New York State Police and Thruway Authority, the Department of Transportation implemented a 45-mph advisory speed limit and a "right lane only" restriction for commercial trucks on the all or portions of the following corridors: I-84 from the Connecticut to Pennsylvania state lines; Rt. 17 east of Binghamton; I-88; and I-81 south of Syracuse. Speed reductions are also in effect for many areas along the Thruway system.

Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to practice extra caution, limit travel, and check on neighbors and friends to ensure their safety.

Safety Tips

Winter Travel

The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms are transportation-related crashes. 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.

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.
• Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.
• Wet leaves on roadways can cause slippery conditions, making it important to drive at slower speeds when approaching patches of them.
• Make sure your car is stocked with 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.
• Keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline freeze-up.
• If you have a cell phone or 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.
• Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
• While driving, keep vehicles clear of ice and snow.
• Plan stops and keep distance between cars. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

Power Outage

If experiencing a power outage, New Yorkers should:

• Turn off or disconnect major appliances and other equipment, e.g., computers, in case of a momentary power surge that can damage these devices. Keep one light turned on so you know when power returns. Consider using surge protectors wherever you use electronic equipment.
• Call your utility provider to notify them of the outage and listen to local broadcasts for official information. For a list of utilities, visit the State Department of Public Service.  
• Check to see if your neighbors have power. Check on people with access or functional needs.
• Use only flashlights for emergency lighting - candles pose the risk of fire.
• Keep refrigerators and freezer doors closed - most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four (4) hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
• Do not use a charcoal grill indoors and do not use a gas stove for heat - they could give off harmful levels of carbon monoxide. 
• In cold weather, stay warm by dressing in layers and minimizing time spent outdoors. Be aware of cold stress symptoms (i.e., hypothermia) and seek proper medical attention if symptoms appear. 
• If you are in a tall building, take the stairs and move to the lowest level of the building. If trapped in an elevator, wait for assistance. Do not attempt to force the doors open. Remain patient - there is plenty of air and the interior of the elevator is designed for passenger safety.
• Remember to provide fresh, cool water for your pets.
• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions. If you must drive during a blackout, remember to obey the 4-way stop rule at intersections with non-functioning traffic signals.
• Remember that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not be working.

For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Safety Tips web page.