Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today urged New Yorkers to exercise extreme caution Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning as a large winter storm system has begun to hit much of New York. The storm is expected to produce up to 8 inches of snow in parts of the north and between 3 and 6 inches of snow or a mixture of sleet and freezing in several areas in the rest of the state. At the direction of the governor, the state authorities have provided all necessary response resources and are ready to assist any local government in need. New Yorkers, especially those who commute or travel Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, should pay close attention to local weather forecasts and allow extra time to reach their destination safely.
“New Yorkers have dealt with winter weather before, and we will do it again. Given the impact this storm is likely to have on our streets during busy commute times, I urge anyone who has to travel to do so to do as carefully as possible, ” Governor Cuomo said. “New Yorkers can be sure that our plows have already cleared the streets and that all available contingency measures are in place. This is not something we have not seen before and we will do it, but it will take everything.” we act responsibly to do this. “
This latest storm system hit the state on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to continue through Wednesday morning. Parts of the Adirondacks and the Catskills could see up to 8 inches of snow, while most other areas, including New York City and Long Island, could see between 3 and 6 inches of snow or a mixture of sleet and freezing rain. Temperatures across the state range from mid-20s to mid-30s during the day, however, during the night hours, some road surfaces can be slippery due to falling temperatures and depending on the type of rainfall. Drivers are reminded to be extra careful while driving for the next 24 hours.
Over the weekend, temperatures will plummet across most of the state as an arctic air mass infiltrates the region Thursday night and continues through Saturday, with low temperatures hovering around zero or below.
The National Weather Service has already issued a number of winter weather warnings and advisories for much of the state. For a complete list of weather guards and warnings in your area, please contact your area’s National Weather Service website.
Agency preparations
Ministry of Transport
The State Department of Transpiration is responding to this event and has the following state-wide assets:
- 1,617 snow plows
- 313 large loaders
- 176 medium-weight plows
- 52 tow plows
- 38 snow blowers
- 20 graders
- 11 pickups with plowing
Transit authority
The Thruway Authority has 694 operators and regulators available with 247 large snow plows, 102 medium snow plows, 10 tow plows and 61 loaders across the state carrying more than 122,000 tons of road salt.
Variable message signs, highway advisory radio and social media are used to alert motorists to winter weather conditions on the highway.
The Thruway Authority is asking motorists to download theirs App This is available for free for iPhone and Android devices. The app gives drivers direct access to traffic and navigation support in real time while on the move. Drivers can also register TRANSalert Emails with the latest traffic conditions along the highway Here.
Environmental Protection Department
DEC Environmental Protection Police officers, Forest Rangers, emergency management staff and regional staff are on alert and monitor the evolving situation and actively monitor areas and infrastructure that may be affected by severe weather. All available assets are positioned to help with emergency response.
Parks, Recreation and Monument Preservation Office
The New York State Park police and park staff are on alert and are closely monitoring weather conditions and effects. Reaction devices are refueled, tested and prepared for use in storm reactions. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest information on parking times, openings and closings.
Public Service Department
New York utilities have approximately 5,500 employees available to conduct damage assessment, response and recovery operations across New York State. The Department of Public Service staff will monitor the work of the utilities during the storm event and ensure that the utilities relocate the appropriate personnel to the regions where the greatest impact is expected.
State Police
The state police are ready to deploy additional soldiers in the affected areas if necessary. All special vehicles of the state police, including all-wheel drive vehicles and commercial vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate use. All emergency power and communication devices in the force were tested.
Safety tips
Some of the most important tips for safe driving are:
- In winter storms, only drive if necessary.
- Be careful on bridges as ice can form faster than roads.
- If you need to travel, make sure your car has survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, a set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy groceries and a brightly colored cloth You can use as an emergency flag.
- If you have a cell phone or other communication device such as a two-way radio, keep the battery charged and take it with you when you travel. Should you be stranded, you can call for help and inform the rescuers of your location.
The most common cause of death and injury in winter storms are transportation accidents. Make sure your vehicle is free of ice and snow before you get behind the wheel. Good visibility is the key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra vigilant and remember that drifting snow can hide smaller children. Always adapt your speed to the road and weather conditions.
For motorists on all roads, it is important to note that snow plows travel at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, which in many cases is below the stated speed limit, to ensure that the salt that is spread stays in the lanes and not off the Streets being scattered. Snow plows often work side by side on freeways as this is the most efficient and safest way to clear multiple lanes at the same time.
Motorists and pedestrians should also be aware that snow plow drivers have limited lines of sight and the size and weight of snow plows can make maneuvering and stopping very difficult. Snow blowing behind the plow can seriously affect visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Drivers should not try to pass or follow snow plows too closely. The safest place for drivers is far behind the snow plows, where the road is clear and salty.
For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division for Homeland Security and Emergency Services at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/winter/.
