NEW YORK – The New York State Police announced they have responded to more than 300 vehicle accidents related to the winter storm that began rolling into our area Thursday afternoon.
As of 6 a.m. Friday, a total of 355 vehicle accidents have been reported, the New York State Police said.
In New Jersey, it was reported a fatal accident on Friday morning at New Jersey Turnpike with a Hyundai car involving a truck that overturned. Garden State Police said the person in the car died and the truck driver was transported to the hospital in non-life threatening condition.
Our meteorological authority asks motorists to be careful on the roads and people living in the metropolitan area are asked to remove their umbrellas and be careful while driving. There are wind gust warnings up to 50 mph for coastal parts.
Gov. Kathy Hochul urges New Yorkers to be careful before bad weather hits.
“I encourage all New Yorkers to pay attention and be prepared for potential power outages and rough travel Thursday and Friday as snow and ice accumulate in the northeastern parts of the state,” Hochul said. “Our emergency response agencies are well prepared for this storm and will be working around the clock for the next few days to keep New Yorkers safe.”
Driving safety tips
- Do not drive unless necessary.
- Be careful on bridges as ice can form faster than on roads.
- If you must travel, 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 power leads, quick energy food, and a brightly colored cloth for use as a relief 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. If you get stuck, you will be able to call for help and inform rescuers of your location.
- The leading cause of death and injury during winter storms are transportation accidents. Before you get behind the wheel, make sure your vehicle is free of ice and snow; Good vision is the key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars.
- It is important for motorists on all highways to know that snow plows travel at speeds of up to 35mph, which in many cases is less than the posted speed limit, to ensure that spilled salt stays in the lanes and does not spread. of the lanes.
- Motorists and pedestrians should also be aware that snowplow drivers have limited vision, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly.
The The long-lasting winter storm began moving into the New York area on Thursday with a large amount of snow, ice and rain expected to last through Friday night which could leave parts of the Hudson Valley up to 8 inches of snow and flooding in coastal areas from high winds and downpours.
