Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Extreme Cold and Winter Weather Impacting State Starting Today Through Next Week

Up to Six Inches of Snow Across New York City, Long Island and Westchester; Up to Eight Inches of Snow Across the Mid-Hudson and Capital Regions

Winter Storm Warnings Through Monday Morning in Parts of Capital District and Mid-Hudson Regions

Lake Effect Snow Warnings Issued for Monday Through Wednesday in Portions of Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York and North Country Regions Near Lakes Erie and Ontario

Feels-Like Temperatures as Low as Negative 25 Degrees Fahrenheit Expected Across Much of the State on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Evenings

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to take precautions as a combination of lake effect snow, winter storms and extreme cold are expected across the state this week. This afternoon and continuing through tonight, widespread snow is expected in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County with up to six inches possible in the most persistent bands. The Mid-Hudson and Capital Regions can expect up to 8 inches or more of snow today through Monday morning. Starting late tonight and continuing through Wednesday, lake effect snow that could bring up to three feet of snow in the strongest bands, is expected in areas of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York and the North Country that are close to Lakes Erie and Ontario. Additionally, beginning Monday, much of New York State will experience bitter cold temperatures with potential feels-like temperatures as low as negative 25 degrees. New Yorkers should monitor their local forecasts and take action to prepare for winter weather and freezing cold temperatures.

“As winter storms, extreme cold temperatures and lake effect snow move into our state today and over the coming days, I’ve directed our state agencies to mobilize their resources as we prepare to respond to this weather system,” Governor Hochul said. “These conditions pose an extraordinary risk to anyone who is exposed to the elements or is unable to adequately heat their home, and I encourage New Yorkers to take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe.”

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:

• Monitoring the forecast for your local area and areas you may be travelling to.
• Avoiding 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 https://www.dhses.ny.gov/winter-weather-safety. For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit http://www.211nys.org/.