A state of emergency is in effect from Schenectady and Schoharie counties all the way down to the New York City area, as Gov. Kathy Hochul warns of what could be a historic winter storm headed downstate.
Much of the state is expected to miss the brunt of the storm. But the governor’s office says heavy snowfall is possible for the Capital Region, with higher accumulations possible for the Hudson Valley. The Hudson Valley is under a winter storm warning with heavy snow accumulations possible along with gusty winds and reduced visibility.
This system is expected to start Sunday afternoon with impacts lasting into at least midday Monday.
Potentially up to two feet of snow could fall in Manhattan and Long Island through Monday afternoon.
Combined with what could be hurricane-force winds, whiteout conditions and potential flooding, Hochul is warning impacted New Yorkers to be prepared for the worst.
“When a blizzard hits and paralyzes an area, it’s life-threatening because people need to know and they’re not as accustomed to it, number one, but you can literally freeze to death outside or in your home if the power goes down,” Hochul said.
Hochul says there are more than 5,600 utility workers on standby across the impacted areas.
She’s also activated 100 National Guard members to help support response operations.