New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed state agencies to prepare for a strong storm system expected to impact much of the state starting Wednesday. Forecasts indicate widespread wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph, with some isolated areas possibly experiencing gusts up to 70 mph. The storm is also predicted to bring rain and thunderstorms, with higher elevations facing a chance of snow.
Governor Hochul stated, “Our state agencies and thousands of utility workers stand ready to assist New Yorkers as strong-to-severe wind gusts and potential thunderstorms impact much of the state starting Wednesday. I urge all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and remain alert — text your county or borough name to 333111 to get the most up-to-date information sent directly to your phone.”
In anticipation of hazardous conditions, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Bridges and Tunnels will prohibit empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks from using its seven bridges beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5. The restriction is expected to last until 4 a.m. Thursday, November 6. The affected bridges are Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Cross Bay Bridge, Henry Hudson Bridge, Marine Parkway Bridge, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, Throgs Neck Bridge, and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
State agencies are mobilizing resources in preparation for the storm:
– The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has emergency management teams in contact with local officials and is prepared to deploy assets as needed.
– The Department of Transportation has more than 3,400 operators and supervisors ready statewide along with equipment such as large dump trucks, loaders, chippers, excavators, bucket trucks, and traffic platforms.
– The Thruway Authority has over 670 operators available along with equipment including dump trucks, loaders, trailers, excavators, chainsaws, generators, light units, and other tools for response efforts.
– Utilities across New York have about 5,500 workers on standby for damage assessment and restoration work.
– State Police will deploy extra patrols where necessary.
– The Department of Environmental Conservation is coordinating resources for flood-prone areas and can issue emergency authorizations if needed.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and weather alerts via the National Weather Service at alerts.weather.gov. They should also ensure government emergency alerts are enabled on their phones.
Hikers in regions like the Adirondacks or Catskills are advised to check trail conditions before heading out due to mixed weather patterns that may include snow at higher elevations.
Park visitors should refer to parks.ny.gov or use the NY State Parks Explorer app for updates on park operations.
The MTA is monitoring weather conditions across transit systems including New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North Railroad. Customers can sign up for real-time alerts at www.mta.info.
The Port Authority will issue travel alerts if severe weather impacts its facilities; travelers can sign up for notifications through PA Alerts or mobile apps like RidePATH.
Safety recommendations include having disaster supplies on hand such as flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit, food and water supplies that do not require electricity for preparation or storage. Residents are advised not to drive through flooded roads due to risks posed by fast-moving water. In case of power outages during the storm event residents should unplug appliances but leave one light on as an indicator when service returns.
For additional safety information residents can visit www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.
