ALBANY, NY –
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency in Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Greene, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and contiguouscounties, and activated the New York National Guard as a blizzard is forecast to hit the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island, and severe winter weather conditions are expected throughout the rest of the Hudson Valley.
Forecasts rapidly worsened Friday night and now indicate 18 to 24 inches of snow with winds potentially gusting at over 60 mph for Long Island and New York City. The Hudson Valley is forecast to see 12 to 18 inches of snow, while the Capital Region could see eight to 12 inches. Other areas statewide will see totals from one to six inches of snow.
These blizzard conditions will create extremely dangerous travel conditions, coastal flooding and the potential for power outages.
Beginning Sunday, 100 members of the New York National Guard with 25 vehicles will be staged across the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island to support Downstate response operations and local partners. Additionally, the State Emergency Operations Center will activate beginning Sunday morning.
“New Yorkers are no strangers to snow and cold weather, but these blizzard-like conditions approaching New York City, Long Island and the lower Mid-Hudson will bring heavy snow and strong winds, with the storm forecasted to impact much of our state”, Governor Hochul said. “As with every weather event, our state agencies are equipped with the resources they need to respond to the developing storm and keep everyone informed. I encourage everyone to take action, stay vigilant and always monitor your local forecast for real-time updates.”
Severe winter weather conditions also are expected throughout the rest of the Hudson Valley, with Winter Storm Warnings already in effect for Northern Westchester, Rockland, Orange and Putnam counties, with between 10 and 15 inches of snow and winds gusting up to 45 mph expected. Winter Storm Watches are in effect for Dutchess, Ulster, Greene and Columbia Counties with six to 12 inches of snow expected with winds gusting up to 45 mph.
New Yorkers should take this storm seriously, Hochul warned, calling them to prepare now, closely monitor local forecasts and stay home throughout the duration of the storm. On Monday, Long Island Rail-Road plans to operate on a Sunday schedule with modifications as necessitated by evolving weather conditions. Metro-North Railroad will run hourly service on the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven lines and weekend service on the Connecticut and Wassaic branches. Subway service changes and delays are expected overnight Sunday into Monday, as express tracks are used to store trains underground during heavy snowfall
All empty commercial vehicles and all tandem tractor trailers will be banned from travel on I-84 and all roads south of I-84, including all Thruway system roads. All other commercial vehicles will be restricted to the right lane on I-84 and all roadways south of I-84, including all Thruway system roads in Orange, Rockland, and Westchester counties. These restrictions will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, February 22, and end when conditions allow.
