NY Governor Hochul Urges Travel Delays Amidst Major Winter Storm

Governor's Top Concerns

• ⚠️ Safety on the roads is Governor Hochul's primary concern due to holiday travelers returning.
• 💡 She urges New Yorkers to delay travel plans for a few more hours to allow plows to clear roads.
• ❄️ While New Yorkers are resilient, the volume of snow and unfamiliarity with driving in such conditions can be a shock to the system.

State of Emergency and Resource Deployment

• 🚨 A state of emergency has been declared to provide flexibility in managing the crisis across 35 counties.
• 🤝 This declaration allows state assets, like snow removal vehicles, to be deployed to assist local municipalities, including New York City, if needed.
• 🗺️ The state prepares year-round for such events through tabletop exercises and maintaining strong relationships with local emergency management teams.

Power Outage Preparedness

• ⚡ Another significant concern is the potential for power outages due to heavy snow, high winds, and falling trees/limbs.
• 🛠️ Over 5,000 utility crews are on standby for immediate deployment to restore power and heat.
• 📞 Constant communication with utility companies is maintained to prioritize and expedite power restoration efforts.

Storm Forecast and Road Conditions

• 🌨️ The storm is bringing heavy snowfall, with rates of 1-2 inches per hour in some areas, leading to extremely difficult travel conditions.
• 🧊 Snowfall is expected to taper to light to moderate after midnight, with minor accumulations by tomorrow morning.
• ⚠️ Some areas may see up to a foot of snow, while most will receive 5-9 inches, with lower amounts to the south and east due to mixing with sleet and freezing rain.
• 💧 Post-storm, slush and water on roads are expected, with temperatures cold enough to refreeze, creating hazardous conditions through the weekend and into Monday.