NEW YORK — Gov. Kathy Hochul on 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 City Thursday through Saturday.
Heavy rain, snow, high winds, flash freezes, and flooding are possible in several regions of the state over the holiday weekend.
Beginning Thursday, rain and snow showers are forecast for most of the state with amounts of rain up to three inches possible in some places by Friday afternoon. Light to moderate flooding is possible from rain and snowmelt, and short winter mixes could make the ride slippery until early Friday morning.
Friday through Saturday morning, much of the state is expected to experience strong winds in the 40 to 50 mph range and localized gusts up to 70 mph. Friday afternoon and evening, temperatures are expected to drop significantly and sudden freezes could cause icy conditions on the roads during Friday night and Saturday travel.
Additionally, beginning Friday night and continuing through Monday, lake effect snow will affect areas bordering Lakes Erie and Ontario, and strong winds are expected to cause drifting snow with near-zero visibility and localized blizzard conditions. . Below normal, freezing temperatures with wind chills are expected to persist through Monday across the state’s northern regions.
Governor Hochul has urged New Yorkers to take all necessary precautions if traveling this week and to 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. Friday,” Governor Hochul said. “Our state agencies are well coordinated for this response, and we are preparing resources and personnel for deployment to affected regions as needed.”
Wind warnings and high wind warnings will be in effect starting Thursday for parts of central New York, the Mohawk Valley and the North Country, with winds gusting up to 70 mph at times. Damaging winds could bring down trees and power lines, and widespread power outages are possible. Travel may be difficult in these areas.
Coastal flood watches are in effect for all of New York City, Long Island and Westchester County beginning Friday through Saturday night with possible flooding one to three feet above ground level in areas near the coast.
The Port Authority (PA) is monitoring the weather conditions. Speed limits may be in effect on bridges, as well as along roads to and from intersections. 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 out 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 the PATH service. .
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe and reliable service. MTA employees will be ready 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 while navigating the system. Customers must also sign up for real-time service alerts via SMS or email. These alerts are also available through the MTA apps: MYmta and TrainTime.
The leading cause of death and injury during winter storms are transportation accidents, according to the Hochul office. Before you get behind the wheel, read these safety tips:
- When winter storms hit, don’t drive unless you have to.
- Make sure your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; Good vision is the key to good driving.
- Always adapt your speed to the road and weather conditions. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars.
- Be more vigilant and remember that snowdrifts can hide the smallest children.
- Make sure your car is equipped with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, a flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, a set of tire chains, battery jump leads, fast energy foods, and brightly colored fabrics. 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.
