Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Remain Prepared as Large Storm System Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Downstate and Heavy, Wet Snow Upstate

 

Long Island, New York City, and Lower Mid-Hudson Regions to See Several Inches of Rain and Strong Winds That Could Cause Flooding and Power Outages

North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Capital District and Upper Mid-Hudson Regions to Receive Heavy, Wet Snow Overnight Which Will Impact Travel on Monday Morning and Could Cause Power Outages

New Yorkers Encouraged to Pay Attention to Updated Weather Forecasts and Plan Travel and Other Activities Accordingly

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to remain prepared as a large storm system is expected to cause power outages throughout much of the state and create difficult travel conditions in some locations during the Monday morning commute. Downstate areas including Long Island, New York City, and the lower Mid-Hudson regions, will see several inches of rain and strong winds that could cause flooding and power outages. Further upstate, including areas in the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Capital District, and Upper Mid-Hudson regions, rain will transition to wet heavy snow overnight, which could create difficult travel conditions during the Monday morning commute and cause power outages. New Yorkers should pay close attention to the weather forecast throughout the night and tomorrow and plan travel and other activities accordingly.

“This system will bring heavy rain and strong winds to downstate New York, while upstate will receive snow and wind tonight and tomorrow,” Governor Hochul said.“We will continue to monitor impacts from this weather system and state agencies are prepared to respond to requests for assistance. I urge all New Yorkers to watch the weather and plan your travel and activities accordingly with updated forecasts to stay safe, especially during tomorrow’s morning commute.”

Sunday and continuing into Monday, up to three inches of rain is expected across New York City and Long Island with up to five inches of rain possible across eastern Long Island. Parts of Suffolk County could see wind gusts up to 60 mph overnight tonight, which could cause power outages due to downed trees and wires, while parts of New York City and Nassau County could see 50 mph wind gusts. This evening, areas in the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Capital District and Mid-Hudson Valley will see rain transition to heavy, wet snow with a foot or more expected in the highest elevations, including the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Tug Hill, and some lower elevation areas could see up to six inches of snow. Wind gusts up to 35 mph are possible statewide, which could lead to additional, isolated power outages.

For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at https://alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.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.
• 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.
• 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 https://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.