Remnants of Nicole Are Expected To Begin Impacting the State Friday Night and Continue Through Saturday
2-3 Inches of Rain Expected in Central New York, Finger Lakes, Western New York and North Country Regions with Minor Flooding Possible in Flood-Prone Areas
New Yorkers Urged To Monitor Local Weather Forecasts and Pay Attention to National Weather Service Alerts
Governor Kathy Hochul today directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets as the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole are expected to impact New York as early as Friday evening, bringing the potential for heavy rain and flooding. The largest rainfall totals of two to three inches, with some localized higher totals, are expected in the Central New York, Finger Lakes and Western New York regions, as well as areas in the Tug Hill plateau in the North Country region. Minor flooding in flood-prone areas is likely and maximum wind gusts up to 40 mph are possible, with higher windspeeds expected downstate. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to closely monitor local forecasts over the next few days for weather conditions, and to follow any potential emergency orders issued before or during extreme weather events. New York State agencies and authorities have already engaged local government partners throughout the state and stand at the ready to respond, as needed.
"Starting Friday night, a late-season weather system has the potential to dump three inches or more of rain in some locations, and I urge all New Yorkers to prepare in the event of a flooding situation," Governor Hochul said. "If you are planning to travel Friday and Saturday, please use caution and check local weather conditions before heading out."
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Nicole is moving north and there is the potential for heavy rains and wind gusts over the next few days in parts of the state. Governor Hochul and I are asking New Yorkers to prepare in advance, pay attention to local forecasts, make a plan if your area will be affected, and remember to check on your vulnerable neighbors and loved ones this weekend."
State Agency Preparations
Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with more than 3,280 supervisors and operators. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond. Staff can be configured into any type of response crews that are needed (flood response, chipper, load & haul, sewer jet, cut & toss, traffic signal, etc.). In preparation, crews are checking and clearing drainage structures to make sure they are free of debris and clogs. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:
- 1,516 large dump trucks
- 333 large loaders
- 79 tracked and wheeled excavators
- 72 chippers
- 18 graders
- 14 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
- 14 tree crew bucket trucks
Thruway Authority
The Thruway Authority is closely monitoring the weather for the upcoming storm and has 651 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state. There are excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, generators, pumps and equipment hauling trailers as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for deployment for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the 570-mile Thruway.
Statewide available equipment numbers are as follows:
- 349 Large and Small Dump Trucks
- 63 Loaders
- 30 Trailers
- 7 Vac Trucks
- 14 Excavators
- 8 Brush Chippers
- 100 Chainsaws
- 21 Aerial Trucks
- 22 Skid Steers
- 84 Portable Generators
- 65 Portable Light Units
The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.
Follow @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.
Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather. All available assets, including swift water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.
Department of Public Service
New York's utilities have approximately 7,125 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this event. This includes an additional 1,500 workers secured by Con Edison and Orange & Rockland and an additional 125 workers secured by National Grid's upstate division. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.
New York State Police
State Police are prepared to deploy additional Troopers, as needed, to affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response. All Troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.
Safety Tips
- Prepare for severe weather:
- Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.
- Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
- Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
- Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.
- Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
- Plan what to do with your pets.
- Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.
- Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
- Have disaster supplies on hand, including:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards
For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Safety Tips web page at www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/index.cfm.
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