Governor Hochul Urges Caution Ahead of Winter Storm Set to Impact Upstate New York

Winter Storm Warnings in Effect for Parts of the North Country, Northern Mohawk Valley and Central New York Through Saturday

Up to 18 Inches Possible for Parts of the Tug Hill Plateau With Snow Beginning Friday Morning; Up to Eight Inches Possible for Higher Elevations Throughout Western New York

High Wind Warnings in Effect for Parts of Western New York and the Finger Lakes With Gusts of Up to 60 Miles Per Hour Possible; Potential for Isolated Power Outages

Friday Evening Commute Could Be Hazardous; Leave Extra Time To Reach Destinations

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

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to be cautious ahead of a winter storm set to impact parts of the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central and Western New York on Friday through Saturday. Areas east of Lake Ontario in the Tug Hill Plateau could see up to 18 inches of snow and winds up to 30 miles per hour. Higher elevations throughout Western New York have the potential to see up to eight inches of snow and wind gusts in areas along the Lake Erie shore could reach up to 60 miles per hour. Snowfall and winds are expected to result in power outages and create dangerous travel conditions during the Friday evening commute. Drivers should leave themselves extra time to reach their destinations.

“While New Yorkers enjoyed the past few days of sunshine and warm weather, our Upstate regions are expecting a winter storm through Saturday with up to 18 inches of snowfall and up to 60 mile per hour winds for parts of Western New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Our agencies are prepared and ready to respond to this storm and keep New Yorkers safe. Stay vigilant, avoid traveling during hazardous conditions and utilize Triple Three, Triple One — as always, it is important to monitor the latest forecast and plan accordingly.”

These conditions are the result of a clipper-type system that will bring the heaviest snowfall across the North Country and northern Mohawk Valley regions. Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect across portions of the North Country and Mohawk Valley Regions where the heaviest snowfall is expected and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for additional portions of the Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, Mid-Hudson and North Country regions.

Strong winds are also anticipated with the clipper system for today through Saturday. High Wind Warnings have been issued across portions of Western New York and the Finger Lakes from this morning/afternoon through Saturday morning due to 25 to 35 mile per hour winds with gusts up to 60 miles per hour. The strongest winds will be closer to Lake Erie and along the Niagara Frontier. Wind Advisories have also been issued for other portions of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and Central New York. These winds are expected to cause some blowing/drifting snow adding to the threat of hazardous travel

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