NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul Wednesday directed state agencies to prepare emergency response resources ahead of the major winter weather system that is expected to create multiple hazards in New York beginning Thursday through Saturday.
Heavy rain, snow, high winds, flash frosts, and flooding are possible in several regions of the state over the holiday weekend.
Starting Thursday, showers of rain and snow are in the forecast for most of the state with rain amounts of up to three inches possible in some places by Friday followingnoon. Light to moderate flooding is possible from rain and snowmelt, and brief winter mixes might make for a slippery ride into early Friday morning.
Starting Friday through Saturday morning, much of the state is expected to experience strong winds between 40 and 50 mph and localized gusts up to 70 mph. On Friday followingnoon and evening, temperatures are forecast to drop significantly and flash freezing might cause icy conditions on roads during travel Friday night and Saturday.
Additionally, beginning Friday night and continuing through Monday, lake-effect snow will affect the areas fronting Lakes Erie and Ontario, and high winds are expected to cause drifting snow with near-zero visibility and conditions of localized blizzards. Below normal, freezing temperatures with wind chills are expected to persist through Monday in northern regions of the state.
Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to take all necessary precautions if traveling this week and plan ahead for potential weather impacts.
“New Yorkers preparing to travel this week to see loved ones over the holiday weekend should plan ahead and leave early, if possible, as we expect this weather system to create hazardous travel conditions across the state. starting Friday,” Governor Hochul said. “Our state agencies are well coordinated for this response and we are preparing assets and personnel for deployments to affected regions, if necessary.”
Wind Advisories and High Wind Advisories will be in effect beginning Thursday for parts of Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and the North Country, with top wind gusts of up to 70 mph at times. Damaging winds might down trees and power lines and widespread power outages are possible. Travel might be difficult in these areas.
Coastal flood watches are in effect for all of New York City, Long Island and Westchester County beginning Friday and continuing through Saturday night with possible flooding from one to three feet above ground level in areas close to the coast.
The Port Authority (PA) is monitoring weather conditions. Speed restrictions may be in effect on bridges, as well as along roads to and from junctions. 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, check social media, sign up for PA alerts, or download one of PA’s mobile apps, including RidePATH, which provides real-time updates and alerts for PATH service. .
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe and reliable service. MTA employees will be prepared to respond to any weather related issues and remove any downed trees that may fall onto the tracks.
Customers are advised to check new.mta.info for the latest service updates and exercise caution when navigating the system. Customers must also sign up to receive real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available through the MTA apps: MYmta and TrainTime.
The leading cause of death and injury during winter storms is transportation accidents, according to Hochul’s office. Before you get behind the wheel, review these safety tips:
- When winter storms hit, don’t drive unless you have to.
- Make sure your vehicle is free of ice and snow; Good vision is key to good driving.
- Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars.
- Be more alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide younger children.
- Make sure your car is equipped with survival gear such as blankets, a shovel, a flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, a set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods, and brightly colored fabrics. to use as a distress flag.
- If you have a cell phone or other communication device, such as a two-way radio, available for use, keep the battery charged and take it with you when you travel.
