Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare for Snow, Freezing Rain and Ice This Weekend

Urges New Yorkers in North Country, Mohawk Valley and Capital Region To Take Precautions With Hazardous Travel and Power Outages Possible

Up to Seven Inches of Snow and Half an Inch of Ice Accumulation Possible in Parts of North Country

Wet Snow and Sleet Expected Tonight With Transition to Freezing Rain Overnight Except Far Northern New York

Freezing Rain To Continue Over Weekend With Greatest Ice Accumulations Expected During Overnight and Early Morning Hours on Saturday and Sunday

Governor Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to prepare for snow, freezing rain and ice continuing through Sunday for parts of the North Country, Mohawk Valley and Capital District. A period of wet snow and sleet is expected to transition over to freezing rain except over far Northern New York where a mix will persist. Freezing rain will occur into Sunday with the greatest ice accumulation potential occurring during the early morning hours. Some parts of the North Country could see up to seven inches of snow and more than a quarter inch of ice accumulation through Sunday. In these areas, hazardous travel is likely and local power outages are possible. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to pay close attention to weather conditions this weekend and adjust plans accordingly.

“We’re expecting a series of winter weather conditions to hit parts of the North County, Mohawk Valley and the Capital District, and our agencies are prepared to assist as the forecast fluctuates across the regions this weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers in these regions should monitor emergency alerts and their local forecasts to prepare themselves for the snow, freezing rain and ice accumulation.”

A Winter Weather Advisory in effect for the North Country and northern parts of the Mohawk Valley and Capital District for mixed precipitation and ice into Sunday. Also on Sunday, for parts of Western New York and the Finger Lakes, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms. On Monday, additional severe thunderstorms with damaging winds are possible, mainly across the southeast half of 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

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 cellphone 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 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

For more safety tips, visit https://www.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/.