Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Take Caution Ahead of Winter Storm

Feet of Snow or More Possible with Peak Snowfall Rates of Two to Three Inches Per Hour; Strong Wind Gusts of 30-45 MPH Could Result in Whiteout Conditions

Strong Wind Gusts, Heavy Rain and Coastal Flooding May Cause Hazardous Travel Conditions and Power Outages Downstate

State Agencies Monitoring Storm and Prepared to Respond with Equipment and Personnel

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to take caution as a large winter storm system is expected to bring lake effect snow, strong winds and thunderstorms to New York. Light rain on Tuesday will transition to heavy rain on Wednesday with wet snow beginning Wednesday night with the potential to cause flooding across eastern New York. Thunderstorms and strong winds could cause damage Downstate. From Wednesday through Friday, areas east of Lakes Erie and Ontario could see two to three feet of snow as a lake effect snow event begins bringing strong wind gusts of 30-45 mph that could result in whiteout conditions impacting commutes.

“As this significant winter storm approaches, I urge all New Yorkers to be alert and take the necessary precautions to stay safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Our state agencies are monitoring conditions and working to ensure resources are in place ready to respond where they are needed most. Please continue to monitor your local forecast and prioritize your safety and that of your loved ones.”

Downstate areas will see rain beginning Tuesday evening with strong winds moving in Wednesday afternoon through Thursday. Strong wind gusts and heavy rain could cause hazardous travel conditions and power outages. Coastal flooding could occur and unsecured objects could get blown away.

The Southern Tier, Central New York, Mohawk Valley and North Country regions could see high snowfall rates on Wednesday evening. Heavy, wet snow could cause power disruptions and low visibility during the evening commute.

Lake effect snow will impact areas east of Lakes Erie and Ontario Wednesday afternoon through Friday night, with one to two feet expected in the Buffalo and Watertown areas. Strong winds will impact the Wednesday evening commute and both commutes Thursday but will die down by Friday.

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 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.

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/.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov.