Governor Cuomo Directs State Agencies to Prepare Emergency Response Assets as Storm Set to Impact New York City, Long Island and Lower Hudson Valley with Snow, High Winds and Coastal Flooding - ny.gov
| Posted: 30 Jan 2021 12:21 PM PST  Governor Cuomo today directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets as a potentially powerful winter storm is forecast to impact downstate areas with heavy snow and coastal flooding Sunday and Monday. The system could deliver up to 12 inches of snow to New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley along with 45 mph winds gusts. Coastal flooding is also possible in parts of Long Island and Queens starting Sunday evening and continuing through Monday. Based on the current forecast, the storm may create dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages due to the combination of heavy snow and gusty winds, as well as flooding of low-lying areas in coastal locations. New Yorkers are being urged to closely monitor local weather reports and use extreme caution if traveling.
"Another storm system is set to impact New York with potentially heavy snow, strong winds and possibly coastal flooding downstate," Governor Cuomo said. "I have directed state agencies to prepare all emergency response assets and they stand ready to assist any of our local partners who may need help in the coming days. We will also be closely watching the response of utility companies to ensure any power outages are addressed immediately. In the meantime, I am urging all New Yorkers to pay close attention to their local forecasts and to begin preparing their households for this latest round of winter weather."
Snow is expected to begin late Sunday and continue through Monday evening, with winds up to 25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph expected. Some locations in New York City and Long Island and areas along the lower Hudson could see up to 12 inches of snow by Monday morning. Coastal areas of Long Island and Queens may see flooding, especially during high tide Monday and in vulnerable, low-lying locations.
For a complete listing of weather watches and warnings in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.
Agency Preparations
Department of Transportation The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with the following assets:
In addition, the Department of Transportation is deploying 150 snow plow operators and other equipment from other regions to the Mid-Hudson, Southern Tier and Long Island regions to assist with snow removal operations.
Deployments are as follows:
Thruway Authority The Thruway Authority has 694 operators and supervisors ready to respond with 249 large snow plows, 100 medium snow plows, 11 tow plows and 61 loaders across the state with more than 119,000 tons of road salt on hand.
Variable Message Signs, Highway Advisory Radio and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.
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 and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway here.
Department of Environmental Conservation DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather. All available assets are positioned to assist with any emergency response.
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 check parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.
Department of Public Service New York's utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response and restoration efforts across New York State. Department of Public Service staff will track the utilities' work throughout the storm event and will ensure the utilities shift the appropriate staffing to the regions anticipated to experience the greatest impact.
New York Power Authority / Canal Corporation The New York Power Authority and the Canal Corporation staff has performed preparations for the forecasted weather to ensure all facilities, assets and equipment are secured and ready. The Power Authority also is prepared to support power restoration activities if needed.
New York State Police State Police are prepared to deploy additional Troopers as needed to affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response. All Troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metropolitan Transportation Authority personnel are hard at work to ensure safe, reliable service continues throughout the storm and aftermath. MTA employees will be poised to spread salt and clear platforms and stairs of snow and ice, keep signals, switches, third rail operating, remove any downed trees that may fall across tracks, and attend to any weather-related challenges during the storm.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels is proactively implementing an empty and tandem tractor trailer ban at 6 a.m. Monday. Buses will operate reduced service based on anticipated lower ridership. All local buses will also be fitted with tire chains. Articulated buses will be replaced by shorter buses starting Sunday night.
Customers are encouraged avoid unnecessary travel, check new.mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use extreme caution while navigating the system, especially on outdoor platforms and stairs. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA's apps: MYmta, Metro-North Train Time and Long Island Rail Road Train Time.
Safety Tips
Winter Safety Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:
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 m.p.h., which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to 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.
Flood Safety
For more safety tips for all types of weather events, visit the DHSES website at www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/index.cfm.  |
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