Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for More Winter Weather Wednesday and Thursday

Additional 12 Inches of Snow Possible Near Lakes Erie and Ontario Through Friday

High Snow Totals Expected Across Higher Terrain of Chautauqua and Western Cattaraugus Counties

Cities of Buffalo and Syracuse Could See Six to Ten Inches of New Snow by Friday; Western and Central New York, Mohawk Valley and North Country May Receive Seven or More Inches of Snow by Thursday

Windy Conditions Thursday Could Cause Downed Limbs, Low Visibility

Friday To Bring Coldest Air of the Season With Feels-Like Temperatures Dropping to Single Digits/Below Zero at Night

Governor Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to prepare for more winter weather as a clipper system — a fast-moving low pressure weather system — is expected to bring widespread snowfall across the State Wednesday and Thursday, and another round of lake effect snow Thursday. Lake Effect Snow Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for areas east and southeast of Lakes Erie and Ontario through this afternoon. Windy conditions will develop Thursday with gusts between 30 and 45 miles per hour and have the potential to down limbs and cause power outages while impacting visibility. The coldest air of the season is expected on Friday to combine with winds resulting in feels-like temperatures in the single digits to mid-20s during the day, with single digits to below zero Friday night. Travelers should be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility and road conditions.

“As some New Yorkers recover from the first major lake effect snowstorm of the season, we will experience more winter weather bringing snow, winds and cold to a larger area starting tomorrow,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State agencies are prepared to respond and will closely coordinate with our local partners across the State — I urge all New Yorkers to monitor their local forecasts and exercise caution.”

With this system, an additional foot of snow is possible for locations near Lakes Erie and Ontario where some places received up to five feet of snow last week. The greatest amounts of snow are expected across the higher terrain of Chautauqua and western Cattaraugus Counties. The cities of Buffalo and Syracuse could also see six to 10 inches of new snow. Hazardous to difficult travel is expected in the heaviest bands and localized snow squalls due to snow covered roads and low visibility. Snowfall rates up to one inch per hour are possible at times off Lake Erie and less than one inch per hour off Lake Ontario.

Lake Effect Snow Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for areas east and southeast of Lakes Erie and Ontario through this afternoon. Winter Storm Watches are also in effect for portions of Western and Central New York, the Mohawk Valley and North Country from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday night where seven or more inches of snow are expected. Other locations across the State could see up to seven inches of snow by Friday.

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 devices 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/.