Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare as Winter Weather Expected to Impact Thanksgiving Travel

Rain and Snow Wednesday Night and Thursday Could Make Travel Hazardous

Weekend Winter Storm Watches Issued East of Lakes Ontario and Erie Could Bring Multiple Feet of Snow

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to take proper precautions ahead of winter weather expected to impact parts of the state beginning Wednesday evening through Thanksgiving Day and continuing through the weekend. Winter Storm Watches have been issued from Friday through Monday in portions of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York and the North Country.

“As we come together this Thanksgiving, I urge all New Yorkers to stay alert, monitor local forecasts, and exercise caution as they travel to be with family and friends this holiday weekend as we experience winter weather across the State,” Governor Hochul said. “Heavy lake effect snow will also impact some areas this weekend and we are preparing to deploy additional snow removal equipment and personnel, utility crews, and have put the National Guard on standby. If you are traveling, please plan ahead, and prioritize your safety and the safety of others to ensure we can all spend this holiday with our loved ones — safely and warmly.”

Starting today, several inches of snow and some freezing rain are expected in the North Country followed by additional rain and snow on Thanksgiving Day across most of the State which will make traveling conditions hazardous. On Friday, much colder air is expected to bring lake effect snow accumulations throughout the duration of the storm of up to several feet to portions of Western New York, Central New York and the North Country bordering Lakes Ontario and Erie including Buffalo, Jamestown and Watertown.

Safety Tips

Travel

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• Monitor the forecast for your local area and areas you may be traveling to.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• 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.
• Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, to safely 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.
• If you lose power, 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 and 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.

Visit DHSES' website for more winter safety tips. For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit 211nys.org.