N.Y. Gov. Hochul urges residents to stay safe during dangerously cold weather

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Recent weeks have brought particularly cold weather to New York state and Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging residents to stay warm amid dangerously frigid conditions.

This weekend, below-average temperatures and biting winds will result in sub-zero, feels-like temperatures throughout the state. Those who do not dress appropriately run the risk of suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.

In addition to the cold, an offshore nor’easter could cause gusty winds and minor coastal flooding to areas east of New York City Saturday night into Sunday night.

“This winter has been brutal, but we must keep ourselves prepared in order to stay safe,” Hochul said. “Accumulating snow and extreme cold poses a huge risk to those who may be out and about, so be sure to dress appropriately and have supplies on hand to keep yourself safe.”

With temperatures expected to remain below freezing, a Code Blue will remain in effect and local social services districts are required to take steps to ensure individuals experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended.

A cold weather advisory has been issued for the city by the National Weather Service due to this cold and will extend until 10 a.m. Sunday. The advisory warns that wind chills could result in feels-like temperatures of -5 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.

In anticipation of the extreme cold, the city will deploy 10 buses across the city to serve as warming shelters. There will be one bus on Staten Island, three in Manhattan and two in each of the other three boroughs from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Staten Island bus will be outside 18 Richmond Pl. in Richmond Valley, according to 311.

Those in need of a warming space and food can also visit either NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Vanderbilt located at 165 Vanderbilt Ave. in Clifton from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., or they can visit Project Hospitality at 150 Richmond Terr. in St. George.

For more information on warming centers visit https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702