Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Extreme Cold and Continued Heavy Snowfall

Western New York to see Two to Six Inches of Snow Wednesday into Thursday; North Country Could See up to One Foot

Lake Effect Snow Resumes Thursday into Friday, Bringing up to One and a Half Feet of Additional Snow to Watertown and the Tug Hill Plateau; Additional Four to Six Inches Expected in Southern Areas off Lake Erie

Extreme Cold Moves in Beginning Friday with Feels Like Temperatures as Cold as -40 Degrees in the North Country Friday Night; Statewide Feels Like Temperatures will be Below Zero on Friday

Potential for Heavy Snowfall Downstate as Storm System Moves in Sunday into Monday

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for extreme cold and continued lake effect snow impacting areas across the state. While areas off Lake Erie and Lake Ontario will see lower snowfall rates Wednesday, there will still be accumulating snowfall of two to six inches in Western New York and up to a foot possible in the North Country off Lake Ontario. Lake effect snow will resume Thursday, with Watertown and the Tug Hill Plateau expected to see up to another foot and a half of snowfall while the Southtowns and Southern Erie will see another four to six inches of snow. In addition to snowfall, extremely cold temperatures will move in across the state beginning Friday. Statewide feels like temperatures will be in the negatives Friday night and remain below zero or in the single digits Saturday night. The cold will remain through the weekend and into next week.

“Extreme cold poses a huge risk – it is crucial that New Yorkers take steps to prepare ahead of time to make sure they can stay safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Dress appropriately if heading outdoors, have supplies on hand and continue to monitor your local forecast. Severe weather doesn’t discriminate – prepare ahead of time.”

Localized snow squalls throughout the remainder of Wednesday and lake effect snow combined with wind gusts up to 35 miles per hour on Thursday and Friday bring the potential for hazardous travel conditions. Near whiteout conditions are possible at times due to blowing and drifting snow. New Yorkers in impacted areas should avoid travel when possible. If you must travel, be sure to leave extra time between destinations and ensure your car is packed with supplies like extra blankets, water and snacks.

Additionally, State emergency managers are currently tracking another strong storm system that could bring heavy snowfall Sunday into Monday throughout downstate, including New York City. The State is closely monitoring the development of this system and is prepared to deploy additional assets to support local partners if conditions warrant.

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.

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

For more safety tips, go to www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.