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Governor Kathy Hochul today directed state agencies to prepare
emergency response assets as a weather system is poised to impact areas
in Western New York and the North Country with lake effect snow and high
winds expected to make travel conditions difficult with potential
whiteout conditions at times.
Areas off Lake Erie and Lake
Ontario, including Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Jefferson, and Lewis counties,
may see nine or more inches of snow accumulation and winds gusting up to
45 mph at times, which may cause blowing snow and low visibility.
Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to pay attention
to updated weather forecasts, limit travel if possible
in these areas and follow any local emergency orders that may be issued.
Snow is expected to begin
falling in Western New York beginning Wednesday afternoon with total
accumulations of more than nine inches possible in areas adjacent to
Lakes Erie and Ontario. On Wednesday evening, snowfall rates greater than
one inch per hour are possible in several locations, and potentially
strong winds are expected with gusts up to 45 mph in some impacted
locations. Higher elevations in Essex County could also see wind gusts of
60 mph or more starting Wednesday evening.
A Winter Storm Watch is in
effect for Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Jefferson, and Lewis counties starting
Wednesday evening. Meteorologists are also tracking a potential coastal
storm that could bring accumulating snow to a widespread portion of the
state Thursday night into Friday.
For a complete listing of
weather advisories in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.
Agency
Preparations
Division of Homeland
Security and Emergency Services
The New York State Division
of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center
is activated and will closely monitor conditions, coordinate response
operations, and remain in contact with localities throughout the duration
of the event. State stockpiles are prepared to deploy assets to
localities to support any storm-related needs, including pumps,
chainsaws, sandbags, generators, cots, blankets
and bottled water.
Department of
Transportation
The State Department of
Transportation is actively engaged in preparing for the weather event.
All affected residency locations will be staffed for 24/7 operation
throughout the duration of priority response operations. The Department's
Incident Command System structure is activated and will remain fully
staffed throughout the duration of this event.
The State Department of
Transportation is prepared to respond with the following assets:
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1,583 snow plows
·
322 large loaders
·
148 medium duty plows
·
51 tow plows
·
38 snow blowers
·
22 pickup trucks with plows
·
20 graders
Thruway Authority
The Thruway Authority has 677
operators and supervisors ready to respond with 233 large snow plows, 117 medium snow plows, 11 tow plows and 67
loaders across the state with more than 118,000 tons of road salt on
hand.
Variable Message Signs and
social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions
on the Thruway.
The Thruway Authority
encourages motorists to download its mobile app which
is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides
motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance
while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalerte-mails which
provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway here.
Department of
Environmental Conservation
DEC Environmental
Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff,
and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation
and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by
severe weather. All available assets are positioned to assist with any
emergency response.
Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation
New York State Park Police
and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions
and impacts. Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov or
call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours,
openings, and closings.
Department of Public
Service
New York's utilities have
approximately 5,500 workers available to engage in damage assessment,
response, and restoration efforts across New York State. Agency staff
will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities
shift appropriate staffing to regions anticipated to be most impacted.
New York State Police
State Police are prepared to
deploy additional Troopers as needed to affected areas. All State Police
four-wheel drive and specialized vehicles are staged and ready for
immediate response, and all emergency power and communications equipment
has been tested.
New York Power
Authority / Canal Corporation
The New York Power Authority
and the Canal Corporation staff performed preparations to ensure all
facilities, assets and equipment are secured and ready. The Power
Authority is prepared to support power restoration activities if needed.
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