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

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.

Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division's 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's 24/7 alert and warning hub, is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

Department of Transportation
The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with more than 3,700 operators and supervisors available statewide.

Statewide assets are as follows:

• 1,631 large snow plows
• 338 large loaders
• 144 medium snow plows
• 57 tow plows
• 34 snowblowers
• 19 graders

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit https://www.511NY.org, New York State's official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 689 operators and supervisors available.Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 330 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 11 tow plows
• 64 loaders
• 99,000+ tons of salt on hand

Variable Message Signs and social media (X and Facebook) are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

Drivers are reminded that Thruway snowplows travel at about 35 miles per hour - which in many cases is slower than the posted speed limit - 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.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app 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 e-mails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

Department of Public Service
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's priority remains on safeguarding reliable and resilient electric service for New Yorkers throughout this storm by maintaining regulatory oversight of the utilities' preparedness and response to any outages that may occur.

New York's utilities have approximately 5,664 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State. This includes an additional 164 workers secured by NYSEG and RG&E to assist the Rochester, Lancaster, and Hornell divisions. Upstate electric utilities have proactively expanded crewing coverage working overnight Friday and through the weekend in areas forecast to experience the strongest winds. Department staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

The Department has additional information available on Winter Preparedness, including Winter Safety and current consumer protections available at: Winter Preparedness | Department of Public Service. The public is encouraged to contact the Department's Office of Consumer Services for complaints or concerns regarding their utility Contact Us | Department of Public Service.

New York State Police
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.

Department of Environmental Conservation
The Department of Environmental Conservation's (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, ice, and flooding.

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.

Hiking Safety

A Recreational Use Advisory for Adirondack and Catskill Backcountry Regions is in effect. 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's 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 are creating hazardous conditions.

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, slush, and flooding including many trails in the Catskill Mountains where the potential for icy and dangerous trail conditions exist.

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 before heading out.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
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, check the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

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

Contact the Governor's Press Office