Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on state preparations ahead of a massive winter storm system that has already brought bitterly cold temperatures to the entire state and is expected to bring at least a foot of snow to the majority of the state. Following the Governor’s declaration of a State of Emergency and activation of 100 members of the New York National Guard on Friday, new travel restrictions for commercial vehicles are being implemented. Beginning at 12 a.m. Sunday, all commercial vehicles will be restricted to only traveling in the right travel lane on all state roads, including the New York State Thruway. Additionally, a travel ban for Long Combination Tandem Vehicles will be in place on the New York State Thruway beginning at 6 a.m. on Sunday.
“New Yorkers know how to handle winter, but it’s critical everyone treat this weather like the dangerous situation it is,” Governor Hochul said. “From bitterly cold temperatures to heavy snowfall that will create treacherous travel conditions, there is no shortage of risks to being outside or traveling during the next few days, so I am urging everyone to be smart and stay home, stay warm, and stay safe.”
The storm is expected to begin impacting the southernmost portions of the state in the early morning hours and then progressively move north to cover the entire state by late morning and early afternoon hours. It is expected to continue until Monday afternoon, with everywhere north of New York City expected to see between 12 and 18 inches of snow, except for Western New York and the northernmost portions of the North Country which may only see 8 to 12 inches of snow. Beginning Sunday evening, there is a chance that snow may transition into sleet in New York City and on Long Island which has slightly decreased the projected snow totals in those areas to the 8-to-12-inch range. Peak wind gusts could reach 35+miles per hour in these downstate areas as well, which will increase the potential for some blowing snow and whiteout conditions, adding to the already treacherous travel conditions expected throughout the duration of the storm.
To support Downstate response operations and local partners, Governor Hochul activated 100 service members of the New York National Guard with 24 vehicles on Friday. Beginning Saturday, they will be staged and ready to help local partners across New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley.
Additionally, as part of the State of Emergency declared by the Governor on Friday, early voting for February 3rd special elections in New York City will be suspended on Sunday, January 25 and Monday, January 26. The State is working with the New York City Board of Elections to extend hours through the remainder of the early voting period to account for the suspended hours.
In addition to preparing for snow 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 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.
Extreme Cold Watches, Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather 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
- Do not go near or touch fallen or sagging power lines: treat all wires as live and dangerous. Keep children and pets away from fallen electric wires. Never touch any lines or any items that are in contact with lines.
- 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: Electric: 800-527-2714 or Gas: 800-942-8274
Con Ed: Electric: 800-752-6633 or Gas: 800-752-6633
Corning Gas: 800-834-2134
Liberty Utilities (St. Lawrence Gas) Corp.: 800-673- 3301
National Fuel Gas: 1-800-444-3130
National Grid:
- Electric: 800-867-5222
- Long Island (gas): 1-800-490-0045
- Metro NYC (gas): 1-718-643-4050
- Upstate (gas): 1-800-892-2345
NYSEG: Electric: 800-572-1131 or Gas: 800-572-1121
O&R: Electric: 877-434-4100 or Gas: 800-533-5325
PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
RG&E: Electric: 800-743-1701 or Gas: 800-743-1702
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