Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare this weekend for a significant snowstorm forecast to impact the eastern regions of the state beginning Monday and continuing through Tuesday night. Widespread areas of the Capital Region, Central New York, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley and North Country Regions could see up to 18 inches of snow during this time period. Higher elevations in the Capital and Mid-Hudson regions, where the most accumulations of snow are expected, could receive more than two feet of snow by Wednesday morning. The Western New York and Finger Lakes regions may see up to eight inches of snow as a result of the storm. Light snow may begin in some areas Monday morning, but heavier snow will begin as early as Monday afternoon and continue through Tuesday night. Snow will be wet and heavy, and gusty winds up to 45 mph on Tuesday will increase the chances of power outages and related impacts. Governor Hochul advised New Yorkers living and working in these impacted regions to avoid any unnecessary travel as slippery surfaces and reduced visibility will impact commutes Monday evening, all day Tuesday and likely Wednesday morning. New York City and Long Island are expected to receive less than an inch of snow, but rain in the area could cause minor coastal flooding.
“New Yorkers should prepare now for a weather system set to bring significant snowfall to the eastern parts of the state, particularly for areas along the Hudson River and around the Capital Region,” Governor Hochul said. “I have directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets and be ready to assist local governments if needed. Anyone in regions that will be impacted by the storm should prepare for two or three days of snowfall and hazardous travel conditions.”
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “This winter storm is a multi-day event that will make travel extremely difficult and dangerous in parts of NY. New Yorkers living and working in the eastern part of the state, especially the Capital and Mid-Hudson regions, should pay close attention to their local forecast, limit unnecessary travel, and plan ahead for power outages.”
Winter Storm Watches are currently in effect for the entire eastern part of New York State, north of New York City. Additional weather watches, warnings and/or advisories will likely be issued over the coming days. For a listing of weather warnings in your area, visit your area’s National Weather Service website.
For Winter safety tips, visit https://dhses.ny.gov/safety. For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit 211nys.org.