Governor Hochul is urging New Yorkers to prepare for possible severe weather across the state this week

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for possible severe weather this week, as severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected in downstate areas on Monday and Tuesday, causing the potential for localized flash flooding in flood-prone areas. With thunderstorms expected across the state throughout the week, Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to monitor their local forecasts for the latest weather conditions and sign up for emergency alerts in advance of severe weather events.

“The country is expected to witness bad weather this week with heavy rains, thunderstorms and the possibility of severe floods.” Governor Hochul said. “Our government agencies are preparing emergency response assets and we are in close contact with local governments across the state to ensure they are prepared. I encourage all New Yorkers to monitor their local weather forecasts, heed alerts and plan accordingly.”

New York State agencies and authorities are constantly communicating with government partners throughout the state and are prepared to respond to any requests for assistance.

New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said: “Storms bringing heavy rain this week could cause localized flash flooding in affected communities. Take time now to review your emergency preparedness plans and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of a flooding emergency. Check your forecasts local area this week and be very careful if you are moving around or planning outdoor activities.”

Severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings and advisories are currently in effect in many areas across the state. For a complete list of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov.

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service that delivers important emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

State agency preparations

Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Emergency Operations Center monitors weather and travel conditions, and coordinates any response needs with local governments. State stocks are ready to deploy assets to localities to support any storm-related needs, including pumps, chainsaws, sandbags, generators, cribs, blankets and bottled water.

Transportation Department

The Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and is ready to respond with more than 3,489 supervisors and operators. All field staff are available to fully participate and respond. Crews can be configured into any type of response crew required (flood response, cutting, loading and hauling, sewer jetting, cut and dump, traffic signals, etc.). Crews inspect and remove sewer structures to ensure they are free of debris and clogs.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,426 large dump trucks
• 327 large loaders
• 80 tracked and wheeled excavators
• 79 slides
• 18 grade students
• 18 dump trucks equipped with sewage jets
• 14 bucket truck for tree crew

Roads Authority

The Thruway Authority closely monitors the weather forecast with 658 operators and supervisors ready to respond to any wind or flooding issues across the state using small to medium-sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large cranes, portable VMS panels, portable light towers, smaller generators , smaller pumps, and equipment transport trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices are available for any diversions or closures. Variable message signs and social media are being used to alert motorists of weather conditions on the highway.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 355 large and small dump trucks
• 59 loaders
• 32 trailer
• 6 VAC trucks
• 13 excavators
• 8 cutting brushes
• 100 saw
• 23 air trucks
• 22 skid steer
• 84 portable generators
• 68 portable lighting units

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app, which is available as a free download on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists with direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and on-the-go navigation assistance. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails that provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

He follows @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other roads in New York State.

Environmental Conservation Department

DEC Conservation Police officers, forest rangers, emergency management personnel, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring weather conditions. DEC staff are actively patrolling areas and infrastructure potentially affected by severe weather – including heavy rainfall and localized flooding – and will work closely with state and local agencies to coordinate flood mitigation equipment including pumps and sandbags in the event mitigation is needed to protect Homes. Or companies or infrastructure. All available assets, including rapid water rescue teams, are in a position to assist in any emergency response.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State Park Police and park staff are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Response equipment is being fueled, tested and prepared for use in storm response. State Parks has twelve deployment staff available to deploy as needed. Park visitors should visit https://parks.ny.gov, check the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or contact their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

Public Service Department

Utilities in New York has approximately 5,500 workers available to participate in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts throughout New York State for this event. Agency staff will track the facilities’ work throughout the event and ensure facilities move the appropriate staff to areas experiencing the greatest impact.

New York State Police

The State Police is ready to deploy additional forces, as needed, in the affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including ATVs and utility duty vehicles, are ready for immediate response. All of the forces’ emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority closely monitors weather conditions to ensure safe and reliable service. MTA staff will be on hand to respond to any weather-related issues and remove any downed trees that may fall across the tracks. Customers are encouraged to check new.mta.info for the latest service updates. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available through the MTA apps: MYmta and TrainTime.

Port Authority

The Port Authority monitors weather conditions. Speed ​​restrictions may be in effect on bridges, as well as along roads to and from crossings. Passengers through Port Authority facilities are encouraged to contact carriers and airlines directly for the latest information on delays and cancellations.

For the latest information on Port Authority facilities, please check social media, sign up for PATH alerts or download one of the PATH mobile apps, including RidePATH which provides real-time PATH service updates and alerts.

Safety tips

Prepare for severe weather:

• Find out what county you live in and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.
• Know the safest route from your home or business to higher, safe ground if you have to leave quickly.
• Develop and practice a “family escape” plan and identify a meeting place in case family members become separated.
• Prepare a detailed list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing, and other personal possessions. Keep the list in a safe place.
• Stock up on emergency supplies of canned food, medications, first aid supplies, and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
• Plan what to do with your pets.
• Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and emergency cooking equipment.
• Save your car’s fuel. In the event of a power outage, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Keep a small kit of disaster supplies in the trunk of your car.
• Keep disaster supplies on hand, including:

• • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Battery operated radio and extra batteries
  • First aid and guide
  • Food and water in emergency situations
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Essential medicines
  • Check book, cash, credit cards and ATM cards

For more safety tips, visit the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ safety tips web page at https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety-and-prevention.