ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Winter might still feel far away, but state agencies across Western New York say they’re already preparing for the next big storm, and they want drivers to understand how quickly conditions can change. From new rescue equipment to coordinated alerts, officials laid out their plan to keep highways safe this season.
What You Need To Know
State agencies are preparing winter storm response equipment including snowmobiles and ATVs to reach stranded drivers during highway closures.
Officials emphasize that driver cooperation with travel bans and weather forecasts is paramount to public safety.
Emergency alerts are available by texting county names to 333-111, and drivers can check 511 New York for real-time conditions.
State agencies held a press conference Thursday to show the tools they’ll use once the snow starts falling. Troopers say when crossing gates come down, they will be out on snowmobiles and ATVs trying to reach stranded drivers.
DOT leaders say their 500-plus plow operators can only work if the roads stay clear, meaning drivers need to follow travel bans and check the forecast before heading out.
“Elevated roadways drift a lot harder and higher than you would [on] a flat surface. Bridges are going to be difficult. There’s no ground under a bridge. It’s slippery, it’s icy and snow builds up quickly on those areas. We are trying to do our best, all we ask is you do your best,” said Trooper James O’Callaghan, New York State Police public information officer, said.
Officials say new equipment, better coordination, and lessons from past storms will guide their response this winter, but none of it works if drivers ignore warnings or try to outrun fast-moving snow bands.
“What we ask you to do is watch the weather forecast, make sure that you and your vehicles are ready for the winter that’s coming. Take your time. Leave extra time to get to your location and destination, because getting there late is better than not getting there at all,” added Eric Mack, of the state Departmenr of Transportation.
As agencies launch their “Travel Smart” campaign, they say safety starts with staying informed. Drivers can get emergency alerts by texting your county name to 333-111 and check 511 New York for real-time travel conditions.