Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to exercise caution ahead of a mix of winter weather set to impact areas across the state beginning Wednesday. Parts of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley and Capital Region will see a mix of snow, rain and freezing rain beginning Wednesday morning. Though temperatures will remain above freezing, the combination of precipitation could make the Wednesday evening commute hazardous, so drivers should leave themselves extra time between destinations. The Hudson Valley will see rain Wednesday, with the potential for areas of higher elevation to see some ice. Additionally, snowmelt and rain could cause ice jams and flooding. There is potential for more winter weather to impact the state Friday through Sunday, though forecasts remain uncertain at this time.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are almost to spring, but New Yorkers can\u2019t let their guard down just yet when it comes to staying safe in winter weather,\u201d Governor Hochul said. \u201cIce is dangerous \u2014 take it slow when driving and build in extra travel time for yourself between stops. Safety is our number one priority, and I continue to urge everyone to monitor their local forecasts.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Agency Preparations<\/p>\n Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Department of Transportation All available snow and ice equipment is ready to deploy. Fleet mechanics in affected areas will be staffing all main residency locations 24\/7 to perform repairs and keep trucks on the road. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:<\/p>\n 1,636 large plow trucks149 medium duty plows57 tow plows335 large loaders35 snow blowers<\/p>\n The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511NY.org<\/a>, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.<\/p>\n Thruway Authority 337 large and medium duty plow trucks11 tow plows63 loaders102,500+ tons of salt on hand<\/p>\n Variable Message Signs and social media (X<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>) are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.<\/p>\n Drivers are reminded that Thruway snowplows travel at about 35 miles per hour \u2014 which in many cases is slower than the posted speed limit \u2014 in order to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and treated.<\/p>\n The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app<\/a> which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert<\/a> e-mails and follow @ThruwayTraffic<\/a> on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.<\/p>\n Department of Public Service New York\u2019s utilities currently have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State. Department staff will track utilities\u2019 work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.<\/p>\n The Department has additional information available on Winter Preparedness, including Winter Safety and current consumer protections available at: Winter Preparedness | Department of Public Service<\/a>. The public is encouraged to contact the Department\u2019s Office of Consumer Services for complaints or concerns regarding their utility Contact Us | Department of Public Service<\/a>.<\/p>\n New York State Police Department of Environmental Conservation DEC reminds those responsible for the removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help prevent flooding and reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash, and other debris from affecting water quality. Disposal of snow in local creeks and streams can create ice dams, which may cause flooding. Public and private snow removal operators should be aware of these safety issues during and after winter storms. Additional information is available at Division of Water Technical and Operational Guidance Series: Snow Disposal<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hiking Safety Visitors must be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice, and cold to ensure a safe winter experience. Snow depths range greatly throughout the Adirondacks, with the deepest snow at higher elevations in the High Peaks region and other mountains over 3,000 feet. Lower elevation trails have mixed conditions of snow, ice, and slush including many trails in the Catskill Mountains where the potential for icy and dangerous trail conditions exist.<\/p>\n In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS. While some waterways may appear frozen, anyone venturing on waterbodies should review ice safety guidelines<\/a> before heading out.<\/p>\n Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Winter Driving Safety Tips<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Cold Weather Safety Tips<\/p>\n New Yorkers should 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<\/a>; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia<\/a>; information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning<\/a>; information on the proper use of generators<\/a>; and safe winter driving tips<\/a>.<\/p>\n The New York State Department of Labor advises workers and employers to engage in extreme cold weather best practices such as:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n
The Division\u2019s Office of Emergency Management is in contact with its local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate any local requests for assistance. State stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center, New York\u2019s 24\/7 alert and warning hub, is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.<\/p>\n
The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,735 supervisors and operators. Regional crews are currently engaged in snow and ice response and preparation activities. All residency locations will remain staffed for 24\/7 operations throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.<\/p>\n
The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 691 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:<\/p>\n
The New York State Department of Public Service has proactively engaged with the regulated electric utilities to ensure adequate preparations are being made for the incoming winter storm system. The Department\u2019s priority remains on safeguarding reliable and resilient electric service for New Yorkers throughout this storm by maintaining regulatory oversight of the utilities\u2019 preparedness and response to any outages that may occur.<\/p>\n
State Police is closely monitoring the forecast and coordinating with our state and local partners as winter weather moves into New York. Extra patrols will be added to affected areas as the storm intensifies, and specialized units and equipment are staged and ready to respond to any weather-related emergencies.<\/p>\n
The Department of Environmental Conservation\u2019s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to extreme temperatures, high winds, freezing rain, snow, and ice.<\/p>\n
Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails, as well as trails that cross rivers and streams during major storm and extreme cold weather events. Hikers are encouraged to check DEC\u2019s webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information. Unpredictable winter weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and other backcountry areas can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions.<\/p>\n
New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Response equipment is being fueled, tested and prepared for storm response use. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov<\/a>, check the free NY State Parks Explorer<\/a> mobile app or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.<\/p>\n