Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Ongoing Winter Weather Conditions

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

Snowfall Rates of up to 1-3 Inches per Hour in Bands off Lake Ontario

Avoid Unnecessary Travel in Areas of Heavy Snow

Up to 30 Inches of Snow Expected East of Lake Ontario Into Central New York

Strong Gusty Winds of 40-55 MPH Expected Through This Evening

Power Outages, Downed Trees, Hazardous Travel Possible Due to Wind and Ice

Dangerously Cold Temperatures Tonight With Feels Like Temperatures That Could Reach -25 in the North Country

Executive Order in Place To Facilitate Emergency Salt Deliveries

Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on winter weather conditions across the State and detailed preparations by State agencies to respond to conditions. Lake effect snow began overnight off Lake Ontario and will continue through mid-week, with up to 2.5 feet expected east of Lake Ontario into Central New York, including 8-12 inches in Syracuse and 12-18 inches in Utica. In addition, strong winds will persist into tomorrow across the State, with blizzard-like conditions and dangerous travel in areas experiencing snow. Power outages related to wind and downed tree limbs will occur. Dangerously cold wind chills below 0 and as low as -25 degrees are expected this evening across the State north of New York City, amplifying the impacts of power outages. People should monitor local forecasts and take precautions when traveling, avoiding unnecessary travel in areas of heavy snow.

“As extreme weather continues across our state, our emergency response teams and plow crews are working around the clock to protect New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “I remain in close contact with our local partners, and I encourage everyone to monitor their forecasts and take the proper precautions to keep themselves and others safe.”

Lake Effect snow continues today with the highest accumulations of up to 2.5 feet expected off Lake Ontario into Central New York, including 8-12 inches in Syracuse and 12-18 inches in Utica. Accumulations of 2-6 inches are expected off Lake Erie, as well as parts of the Mohawk Valley, with the rest of the state seeing between 1-3 inches. Bands off Lake Ontario may see snowfall rates of up to 1-3 inches per hour. Monitor communications from your local government for updates on travel conditions in your area.

The Lake Effect snow bands are expected to shift slowly south tonight into Tuesday. Wind chills outside New York City are expected to go into the negatives, dipping as low as -25 in the higher elevations of the Adirondacks.

Widespread wind gusts above 40 mph are likely across the state, with more isolated gusts up to 55-65 mph possible today, especially in the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region. High Wind Warnings are in effect for portions of Central New York, North Country, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Capital District, and Mid-Hudson Regions with Wind Advisories in effect for the rest of New York State.

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 upcoming 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.

Variable Message Signs and social media (X and Facebook) are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

The Thruway Authority is leveraging technology to enhance the safety of both plow operators and drivers through a pilot program utilizing iCone technology. More than 50 of the Thruway’s heavy-duty plow trucks across the state are equipped with devices that can provide real-time data and alerts to popular vehicle navigation applications. In addition, all of the Thruway's more than 250 heavy-duty plow trucks are equipped with green hazard lights, complementing the standard amber hazard lights. Green lights are intended to improve visibility and enhance safety during winter operations, particularly in low-light conditions and poor weather. Drivers are reminded that Thruway snowplows travel at about 35 miles per hour — which in many cases is slower than the posted speed limit — in order to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and treated.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway. 

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 all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit www.211nys.org/.