Governor Hochul urges caution as winter weather conditions are expected to impact parts of the state during the busiest travel days of the year.

Governor Kathy Hochul today warned New Yorkers of potentially dangerous conditions due to winter weather during the busiest travel day of the year. The storm system will impact areas in the Upstate, the Capital Region and Central New York starting late Tuesday and continuing into Wednesday with rain, snow, sleet or sleet in some locations, while other locations across the state, especially the New York City area, We should see mostly rain. Snow or a mixture of rain and snow is expected to fall on Tuesday evening in areas in the north of the country and at high altitudes before turning into normal rain on Wednesday morning. Minor accumulations of snow and ice will likely create hazardous travel conditions, especially during the overnight and early morning hours, until temperatures rise Wednesday morning. Winds are also expected to be gusty statewide with gusts up to 35 mph in some places, especially western New York, upstate and the New York City area.

“We are watching a storm system that could cause slippery conditions on the roads during the busiest travel days of the year, and I encourage New Yorkers to plan accordingly.” Governor Hochul said. “While winter weather is no stranger to this state, it is always better to be prepared than to find yourself stuck or stranded. New York State agencies stand ready to assist local communities as needed and we will continue to monitor the forecast.”

The storm system is expected to arrive Tuesday evening with precipitation beginning to fall in a mix of rain and snow in several locations. Most areas of the valley should see a rapid change in all precipitation, while areas in the north of the country, especially areas with higher terrain, may see snow during the night. There is a possibility of sleet or freezing rain in the high terrain of the Adirondacks. Winds are expected to be strong statewide Tuesday night with gusts up to 35 mph. For a complete list of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert. ny.gova free service that delivers important emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

Agency preparations

New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The department actively monitors weather forecasts and coordinates the state’s response to a weather event. Office of Emergency Management staff are in contact with local counterparts and are prepared to facilitate requests for assistance.

The Department is prepared to deploy the following shelter assets and supplies from state stockpiles, if necessary:

• 1,489 generators
• 536 saw
• 964 Mobile heaters
• 39,948 Mine risk education
• 552,260 water bottles and cans
• 9,105 children’s beds
• 9,641 blankets
• 11,220 pillows

New York State Department of Transportation
The state Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with 3,559 supervisors and operators available statewide. Regional crews are currently engaged in snow and ice preparations. Regional managers evaluate pavement conditions prior to rainfall and will apply brine pretreatment as appropriate. All accommodation sites will remain staffed 24/7 for the duration of the event and priority cleanups. Aid truck strikes will be extended in affected areas. The need for staff deployment will be continuously re-evaluated throughout the event.

Transportation management centers in affected areas will post weather-related messages starting Monday afternoon in Western New York and Tuesday morning in all other locations. Messaging will also be used to support real-time incidents and vehicle restrictions, if necessary.

All available snow and ice equipment is ready for deployment. Fleet mechanics in affected areas will staff all major accommodation locations 24/7 to make repairs and keep trucks on the road. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,601 large plow trucks
• 150 medium sized plows
• 51 pull plows
• 331 large loaders
• 35 snow blowers

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit the website www.511ny.org Or the mobile website at m.511ny.org, the official source for New York State traffic and travel information.

Roads Authority
The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 677 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment and resource numbers are listed below:

• 350 large and medium plow trucks
• 10 tow plows
• 65 loader
• More than 130 thousand tons of salt on hand

Variable message signs and social media are being used to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the highway.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its app Mobile app Which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists with direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and on-the-go navigation assistance. Motorists can also sign up Transport alert Emails that provide the latest traffic conditions along the highway.

New York State Department of Public Service
Utility companies regulated by the Department of Public Service have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to participate in winter weather system repair and restoration efforts. DPS staff will track utility work throughout the event and ensure that utility companies are moving the appropriate staff to areas experiencing the greatest impact. In the event of a service interruption, visit DPS Utility Service Interruptions website For tips.

New York State Police
State Police are monitoring weather conditions and are prepared to deploy additional forces as needed. All State Police ATVs and specialty vehicles, including snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, are ready for immediate response, and all power and communications equipment has been emergency tested.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC emergency management personnel, conservation police officers, forest rangers, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the evolving situation. All available assets are in a position to assist in any emergency response.

Safety and preparation for winter hiking are extremely important regardless of the hiker’s physical ability or destination. Properly preparing for winter conditions is essential for a more enjoyable and safe experience. Additional information on winter hiking Available online.

New York State 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 fueled, tested, and prepared for use in storm response. Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov Or contact your local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

Safety tips

Travel
The most important tips for safe driving are the following:

• Only drive when necessary.
• If you must travel, make sure your vehicle is equipped with survival gear such as blankets, a shovel, a flashlight, extra batteries, extra warm clothing, a set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods, and brightly colored tarps to use as a distress aid. science.
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you when you travel. If you are stranded, you will be able to call for help and inform rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injury during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure your car is free of ice and snow; Good visibility is the key to good driving. Plan your stops and maintain greater distance between cars. Be very careful and remember that snow drifts can hide small 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 of up to 35 mph, which in many cases is less than the posted speed limit, to ensure that stray salt stays in the driving lanes and does not spray off the roads. . Often on interstate highways, snow plows will work side by side, because this is the most efficient and safest way to clear several lanes at once.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and that the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind a plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow them too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is behind snowplows where the road is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it is running.

Blackouts
Check with your utilities to determine schedules for repairing the area.

• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent overloading the circuit when service is restored; Leave one light on to indicate when power is restored.
• If the heat goes out during a winter storm, stay warm by closing off rooms you don’t need.
• To report a power outage, call:

• Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
• Con Edison: 800-752-6633
• National Grid: 800-867-5222
• New York Stock Exchange: 800-572-1131
• Phone number and answer: 877-434-4100
• Doug-lee: 800-490-0075
• R&E: 800-743-1701

• Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, wood stove, small, well-ventilated charcoal or portable heaters.
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, wood stove, etc., always make sure you have proper ventilation. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep curtains, towels, and drill holders away from hot surfaces.
• Get a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work.
• If you are using kerosene heaters to supplement regular heating fuel, or as an emergency heat source, follow these safety tips:
  • Follow manufacturers instructions.

• Use only the appropriate fuel for your unit.
• Refuel outside only and only when the unit is cold.
• Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
• When using the heater, use fire prevention and properly ventilate it.

For more winter safety tips, visit https://dhses.ny.gov/safety. For all of your New York State non-emergency service needs before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit 211nys.org.

About the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services DHSES provides leadership, coordination and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov.