Governor Hochul Expands State of Emergency Statewide in Response to Lake Effect Snow and High Winds

Governor Hochul Expands State of Emergency Statewide in Response to Lake Effect Snow and High Winds

Governor Kathy Hochul today expanded New York's State of Emergency statewide as an intense winter storm continues to impact much of Upstate New York. Following periods of ice and rain throughout the state during the overnight hours, a long duration lake effect snow system moved into the state Monday morning, with winds as high as 70 mph in Western New York causing whiteout conditions. This lake effect snow is expected to continue off the shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario for the majority of the week, and while winds are expected to subside to 30-40 mph, whiteout conditions remain a possibility in parts of Western and Central New York on Tuesday, especially in the Syracuse-Metro area. New Yorkers in these areas should avoid all unnecessary travel, follow the direction of local authorities and telecommute whenever possible.

"As winter storms continue to impact several regions across Upstate New York, my message to New Yorkers remains the same: monitor local forecasts, avoid travel, and stay prepared," Governor Hochul said. "Plow crews, emergency management teams and utility personnel continue to work to keep New Yorkers safe, and we stand ready to deploy additional resources anywhere they are needed throughout the storm."

As storms progress throughout Monday, snowfall rates will increase. Off of Lake Erie, the heaviest snows will focus east to southeast of the lake, with the highest snow totals forecast for the Chautauqua Ridge area. Through Wednesday night, areas throughout the Chautauqua Ridge and southern Erie County could see between two and three feet of snow. Buffalo and points north could see more than a foot of snow. Snowfall rates will likely exceed 1.5 inches an hour and may reach three inches in certain locations at times.

Lake effect snow off of Lake Ontario will begin to shift south from Watertown across the Tug Hill Monday and begin to impact the Syracuse Metro-Area during the overnight hours. Through Wednesday night areas within the Tug Hill Plateau and the Syracuse Metro-Area could see between two and three feet of lake effect snow. Snowfall rates will likely exceed 1.5 inches an hour and may reach three inches an hour locally at times.

Strong winds will continue throughout the duration of these storms, with widespread 40-45 mph gusts expected and isolated gusts potentially reaching 50 mph. The strongest gusts are expected Tuesday morning and will decrease through the day Wednesday.

Tree damage and isolated power outages are possible where the strongest gusts occur. Gusty winds combined with snow are expected to create dangerous driving conditions with significantly limited visibility and the potential for snow squalls and/or blowing snow.

Due to these conditions, Governor Hochul directed all non-essential state employees who live or work in Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Niagaraand Wyoming Counties to be sent home at 10 a.m. Monday. On Tuesday, non-essential state employees who live or work in Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Niagara, Wyoming, Oswego, Cayuga, Onondaga, Cortland, Madison, Wayne, Jefferson, Lewis and Oneida Counties are being directed to telecommute where possible.

Road closures are currently in place in the following areas:

• State Route 80 is closed in both directions between Pickle Hill Road and Spring Street in the town of Minden, Montgomery County due to trees on wires.
• State Route 266 is closed in both directions between Grand Island Boulevard to Sawyer Avenue in the town of Tonawanda, Erie County due to flooding.
• The Buffalo Skyway (State Route 5) is closed in both directions between I-190 to NY-179 in the cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna, Erie County due to high winds.

An empty tractor trailer and tandem ban is in effect for the following roadways:

Thruway

• I-90 (Thruway) Exit 46 (Rochester - Corning - I-390) to Pennsylvania State Line
• I-190 (Niagara Thruway): From I-90 to Grand Island Bridge

DOT Highways

• I-190 (Niagara Expressway) from Grand Island Bridge to Lewiston-Queenstown Bridge
• I-290: From I-190 to I-90
• I-990: From I-290 to NY Route. 263 Millersport Highway
• NY Route 400: From I-90 to NY Route 16
• US Route 219: From I-90 to NY Route 39
• I-86: From PA Line to I-390

Numerous Winter Storm Warnings and Watches, Winter Weather Advisories, High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service. 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 responding with 3,605 operators and supervisors available statewide. All impacted residency locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations. Fleet mechanics in affected areas will be staffing all main residency locations 24/7 to perform repairs as needed to keep trucks on the road. Additionally, 26 staff members have been deployed from less impacted areas to support the response effort in Western New York.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1637 large plow trucks
• 340 large loaders
• 153 medium duty trucks with plow
• 36 large snow blowers
• 53 tow plows

Equipment Operator Instructors will be engaged in all areas receiving snowfall to perform plow operator training.

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

Thruway Authority
The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 688 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 339 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 11 tow plows
• 66 loaders
• 126,000+ 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 remains engaged with the regulated electric utilities throughout their response and restoration to the currently evolving weather 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 as a result of the weather.

New York's utilities in the forecasted impact area have activated their internal command structures, continue performing required outreach activities, and have engaged their emergency response plans. The utilities have approximately 7,707 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State. This number includes more than 2,207 mutual aid workers secured by the utilities to support response and restoration efforts across the areas forecasted to receive the greatest impacts. Department staff will continue to track utilities' work throughout the event.

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
The New York State Police is closely monitoring the forecast and coordinating with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Department of Transportation, the Thruway Authority, DEC, Parks, and our local partners as the expected weather moves into the state. Troopers and specialized units are ready across all regions to respond to any weather-related emergencies, assist motorists, and support local communities if conditions deteriorate.

Public safety is our priority, and we will continue to adjust staffing and resources as needed to protect the public throughout this weather event. In an emergency, call 911.

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 high winds, heavy rainfall, and snow and ice.

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
Unpredictable winter weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and other backcountry areas can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should 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 trail conditions exist.

Backcountry visitors should Hike Smart and follow proper safety guidelines. Plan trips accordingly. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS. While some waterways may appear frozen, DEC advises outdoor enthusiasts to review ice safety guidelines before heading out.

Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails, as well as trails that cross rivers and streams during major storm events. Hikers are encouraged to check DEC's webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information.

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

For more safety tips, go to https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.

Contact the Governor's Press Office