New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called on residents to prepare for a period of extreme cold that is expected to affect the state from Friday through the weekend. The combination of low temperatures and strong winds will create hazardous wind chills across New York, with the coldest conditions anticipated in Western New York late Friday into Saturday morning, and in other regions such as New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and the Capital Region over the weekend. In some areas of the North Country, wind chills could reach between -20 and -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Other parts of the state are forecasted to experience wind chills ranging from -10 to -20 degrees. Wind gusts are expected to reach 30-40 miles per hour.
Light snow is also possible during this period, with isolated snow squalls likely on Friday afternoon and evening. These conditions may result in slippery roads and dangerous travel, especially during Friday’s evening commute.
“This winter has proven to be a brutal one, with high snowfall totals and continuous temperatures below freezing,” Governor Hochul said. “Unfortunately, the cold we’ve seen for nearly a month is set to continue, but New Yorkers know how to stay safe. Stay home if you can, but if you can’t, make sure to allow yourself extra travel time and bring necessities like blankets, snacks and water with you. Before we know it, this winter will be behind us, but for now stay safe.”
State regulations require that a Code Blue alert is issued when temperatures or wind chills fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This mandates local social services districts provide shelter access for people experiencing homelessness and extend shelter hours as needed.
The Department of Health provides guidance on staying safe during cold weather including tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia as well as information about carbon monoxide poisoning prevention and generator safety. Additional advice on winter driving is also available.
The New York State Department of Labor recommends limiting outdoor work when possible during periods of extreme cold; providing frequent breaks in warm locations; scheduling work during warmer times; ensuring access to clean drinking water; staying hydrated with warm beverages (avoiding caffeine); and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as multiple layers of clothing along with gloves or mittens, thick socks, insulated footwear, hats or hoods.
Weather alerts have been issued by the National Weather Service across much of New York State. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts regularly via resources such as https://www.weather.gov/ for updates.
To receive real-time emergency alerts by text message on their phones, residents can text their county or borough name to 333111.
State agencies are preparing emergency responses:
– The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is coordinating with local agencies and will activate its Emergency Operations Center beginning Saturday night.
– The Department of Transportation has more than 3,700 supervisors/operators ready statewide along with over 1,600 large plow trucks among other equipment.
– The Thruway Authority remains fully staffed around-the-clock with maintenance personnel available; motorists can use https://www.thruway.ny.gov/ or call 511 for travel information.
– The Department of Public Service continues oversight efforts working closely with electric/gas utilities who have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide for repairs/restoration.
– State Police will add patrols where necessary as conditions worsen.
– The Department of Environmental Conservation advises caution regarding snow disposal practices due to potential flooding risks from ice dams in waterways.
– Hikers are urged to avoid high-elevation trails during storms/extreme cold due to unpredictable hazards in regions like the Adirondacks or Catskills.
– Parks officials recommend checking park status before visiting at https://parks.ny.gov/.
– The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) encourages customers to check service updates at https://new.mta.info/ before traveling.
– Port Authority travelers should confirm flight statuses prior to airport arrival using airline resources or https://www.faa.gov/.
Officials urge motorists not only to avoid unnecessary travel but also—if they must drive—to carry survival gear including blankets and extra clothing. Drivers should keep their vehicles clear of ice/snow before trips and remember that most accidents during winter storms occur due to transportation incidents.
In case of power outages: do not approach downed wires; report outages directly using utility contact numbers provided by each company; turn off appliances until power returns except one light so restoration can be detected; close off unused rooms if heat fails.
Residents needing assistance should call emergency services via 9-1-1 when required.