Governor Hochul Reminds New Yorkers to Take Precautions During Lake Effect Snow Storms

State of Emergency Remains in Effect for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wyoming Counties; Issued to Help Ensure Efficient Response and Local Access to Additional Resources

Tandem and Empty Trailer Ban in Both Directions of the NYS Thruway From Exit 53 West to the Pennsylvania State Line Until Further Notice

Tandem and Empty Trailer Ban in Effect for US 219 From I-90 to I-86 and I-86 From US 219 to PA Line; Route 5 From NY 179 to I-190 and NY Route 400 From I-90 to NY 16 Closed to All Traffic Until Further Notice

Accumulation Totals of Two to Three Feet in Some Areas and Snowfall Rates of Two to Three Inches per Hour Through This Evening for Areas East of Lake Erie and Through Friday Morning for Areas East of Lake Ontario

Strong Winds May Cause Whiteout Conditions in Lake Effect Areas; Motorists Should Take Extra Precautions During Commutes

Governor Kathy Hochul provided an update to New Yorkers on ongoing lake effect snow in portions of the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York and North Country. Areas east of Lakes Erie and Ontario could see peak snowfall rates of two to three inches per hour with snowfall totals of two to three feet over the course of the storm. New Yorkers in these areas should pay close attention to their local forecasts and avoid any unnecessary travel as the combination of snow and strong winds could create whiteout conditions.

“We are closely monitoring the ongoing lake effect snow system moving through parts of our state, and a State of Emergency remains in effect,” Governor Hochul said. “We continue to deploy resources in order to protect New Yorkers as conditions worsen, and I implore everyone to keep track of local forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert.”

The State of Emergency is in effect for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wyoming counties.

Lake Effect Snow Warnings remain in place for northern and southern Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego counties. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect in Livingston and Ontario counties. A Gale Warning remains in effect for Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

The Thruway Authority implemented a tandem and empty tractor trailer ban in both directions on the Thruway (I-90) from exit 53 (Buffalo (Downtown) - Canada - Niagara Falls - I-190) west to the Pennsylvania state line until further notice. Additionally, the Department of Transportation implemented a tandem and empty trailer ban for US 219 from I-90 to I-86 (Erie and Cattaraugus Counties) and I-86 from US 219 to PA Line (Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties). Route 5 from NY 179 to I-190 (Erie County) and NY Route 400 from I-90 to NY 16 (Erie County) are currently closed to all traffic. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit https://www.511ny.org/#:Alerts, New York State's official traffic and travel information source.

Numerous Watches and Warnings are in effect for much of the state. 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.

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 travelling 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 it's 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.

For more winter safety tips, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety. For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit www.211nys.org/.