Governor Hochul Provides Update on Winter Weather Impacting New York State

Executive Order In Place To Facilitate Emergency Salt Deliveries

Snow and Wind Could Create Blizzard-Like Conditions in the Mohawk Valley, North Country and Central New York Through Tuesday Night

Strong Gusty Winds of 40-65 MPH Expected Tonight Through Monday in Most of the State

Isolated Thunderstorms and Locally Heavy Rainfall up to 1.5” Possible in New York City, Long Island and the Southern Mid-Hudson Region.

Power Outages, Downed Trees, Hazardous Travel Possible Due to Wind and Ice; More Than 6,600 Utility Workers Available Statewide to Repair and Restore Power

Flash Freezing Possible this Evening With Additional Ice Accumulations of a Quarter Inch East of Lake Ontario

MTA Bridges and Tunnels To Ban Empty Tractor-Trailers and Tandem Trucks Starting 2:00 p.m. Sunday

Colder Temperatures on the Way With “Feels Like” Temperatures That Could Reach -20 Degrees Fahrenheit Monday Night

Governor Kathy Hochul today provided an update on winter weather conditions across the State and detailed preparations by state agencies to respond to snow, ice and wind conditions. A multi-faceted winter storm is underway across the State and will persist through this evening. A widespread 1 to 3” of snow has fallen across the State, with higher localized amounts of 4 to 5”. This morning, snow transitioned to a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain. Tonight, temperature drops accompanied by flash freezing and strong winds gusting up to 65 MPH could increase the potential for power outages. Continued lake effect snow in parts of the State could produce blizzard-like conditions. Precipitation and falling temperatures could combine to produce black ice and hazardous driving conditions. People should monitor local forecasts and take precautions when traveling.

“As snow, ice and gusty winds sweep across much of our state, our state workers are deployed and actively working to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “My Administration is in close contact with our local government partners as we coordinate our efforts, and I issued an executive order to facilitate emergency road salt deliveries ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to keep our roads safe for drivers. I encourage all New Yorkers to continue monitoring their local forecasts and use extreme caution when traveling.”

Isolated thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall up to 1.5” is possible in New York City, Long Island and the southern Mid-Hudson Region. Due to forecasted high wind conditions, MTA Bridges and Tunnels will implement a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem (piggyback, dual, triple, etc.) trucks starting 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 16. Based on the current forecast and the overall timing of this weather event, it is anticipated this ban will be in place until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 16.

Strong gusty winds of 40-65 MPH are expected tonight through Monday statewide. A High Wind Warning is in effect for portions of Central New York, the Southern Tier, Capital District and Mid-Hudson Valley. A Wind Advisory is in effect for Western New York, the Finger Lakes, New York City, Long Island and portions of the North Country, Southern Tier and Capital regions. A High Wind Watch remains in effect for upper portions of the North County tonight through Monday, with areas of blowing and drifting snow likely.

Lake Effect Snow Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories for heavy lake effect snow are now in effect for portions of the Mohawk Valley, North Country and Central New York from this evening through late Tuesday night. Blizzard-like conditions are expected, especially tonight through Monday due to moderate to heavy snowfall rates and strong winds. Total accumulations range from 7 to 24 inches with the greatest accumulations anticipated in areas closely adjacent to Lake Ontario. Much colder weather will return early this week, with wind chills near -20°F possible locally Monday night and early Tuesday morning.

The Governor has an Executive Order in place declaring a State of Emergency, allowing the State to coordinate and share resources with local governments affected by these storms. This includes the State Department of Transportation, which will provide assistance to municipalities impacted by the State of Emergency in excess of existing shared service agreements. The order also waives “hours of service” requirements for truck drivers to facilitate emergency salt deliveries ahead of these storms and includes other measures to facilitate emergency salt deliveries to State and local agencies across the State.

For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert — a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

Safety Tips

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 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/.