Winter Weather Advisories for Ice Accumulation Have Been Issued for the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Southern Tier, and Mid-Hudson and Capital Regions This Afternoon Through Monday Afternoon
Rain Also Set to Impact Western New York; Flood Watches Issued as Totals of One to Two Inches Expected
Lake Effect Snow to Impact Areas of the North Country, Finger Lakes, Western and Central New York Beginning Monday into Wednesday; Snowfall Totals Between One and Two Feet Possible for Areas off the Great Lake Coasts
Hazardous Travel Conditions with Near Whiteout Conditions Possible Monday and Tuesday; Drivers Should Take Extra Precautions, Leave Extra Time Between Destinations
Empty Tractor Trailer and Tandem Ban Beginning Monday Morning on State Highways in Western New York
More Than 6,700 Utility Workers on Standby Across the State to Engage in Damage Assessment, Response, Repair, and Restoration Efforts
New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111
Governor Kathy Hochul today urged caution ahead of another winter weather system set to bring ice to a majority of the state Sunday into Monday and lake effect snow beginning Monday. Cold air moves in Sunday night, increasing chances for slippery travel conditions as ice accumulates. Western areas of the state could see excessive rainfall and flooding combined with high winds before lake effect snow moves in. Monday begins a long duration, lake effect snow event with parts of the North Country, Western and Central New York seeing the potential for one to two feet of snow through Wednesday. As forecasts throughout the week solidify, lake effect snow may continue throughout the week. Commuters in these windows have the potential to experience hazardous, near whiteout conditions, and drivers should leave themselves extra time between destinations and have their vehicles packed with safety essentials. A State of Emergency declared by Governor Hochul on Friday, December 26 for more than half of New York’s counties remains in effect.
“Winter storms are approaching several regions of New York State bringing ice, snow and high winds that will make roadways hazardous,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers should monitor local forecasts and take caution to avoid travel in impacted areas. Plow crews, emergency management teams and utility personnel have been deployed and are ready to keep New Yorkers safe throughout the storm.”
Winter Weather Advisories for ice accumulations from one-tenth to onehalf an inch of flat ice are in effect for the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Southern Tier, and Mid-Hudson and Capital Regions through Monday afternoon. As ice accumulates, there is potential for downed trees, tree limbs and power lines.
A Flood Watch also has been issued for parts of Western New York, the Finger Lakes and the North Country as a slight risk of excessive rainfall is possible. One to two inches of rain could cause flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying areas. Strong winds also are anticipated for these regions, with gusts of 60 to 70 mph possible.
Winter Storm Warnings and Watches are also in effect for parts of Western and Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley and North Country as snow begins Monday afternoon and continues through Wednesday. Parts of the North Country, Western and Central New York could see between one to two feet of snow with this system combined with high winds and cold temperatures. Snowfall rates of up to two inches an hour and strong winds will create significant blowing and drifting snow and near whiteout conditions in lake effect areas. Drivers should leave themselves extra time between destinations and pack emergency supplies to help ensure their safety.
In addition to preparing for rain and wind, New Yorkers should also prepare to protect against the dangers that can result from colder weather and winter activities. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equal less than 32 degrees. Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended. New Yorkers also should check out these Cold Weather tips from the Department of Health; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia; information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning; information on the proper use of generators; and safe winter driving tips.
The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that the Skyway (State Route 5) in the City of Buffalo, Erie County, will be closed in both directions beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, December 29 until further notice, at the request of the City of Buffalo, due to high winds forecasted.
Beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday morning until further notice, an empty tractor trailer and tandem ban will be taking place on the following state highways in Western New York:
- I-190
- I-90 (Thruway Authority Section from Exit 46 to the PA Line both east and west bound)
- I-290 (From I-190 to I-90)
- I-990 (I-90 to State Route 263 Millersport Highway)
- Rte 400 (I-90 to State Route 16)
- Rte 219 (I-90 to State Route 39)
- I-86 ( PA Line to I-390)
The New York State Department of Labor advises workers and employers to engage in extreme cold weather best practices such as:
- Limit outdoor work, provide frequent breaks in warm areas and schedule outdoor work during the warmest times of the day.
- Ensure access to clean drinking water.
- Stay hydrated with warm beverages and avoid drinking caffeine.
- Wear proper PPE, including at least three layers of clothing, gloves or mittens, thick socks, insulated footwear and a hat, hood or hard hat liner.
View more information on best practices for working in cold weather.
Winter Storm Warnings and Watches, Winter Weather Advisories, High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories have been issued, and New Yorkers should closely monitor their local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.
New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
Winter Driving Safety Tips
- 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 Outage Safety Tips
- Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
- 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 storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.
To Report an Electric Outage, Call:
- Central Hudson: 845-452-2700
- 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, go to www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.
