'An Arctic Siege Has Taken Over Our State': Hochul Urges New Yorkers To Stay Off The Roads

NEW YORK — "The snowstorm we're expecting is now underway, it is brutal — it is bone chilling — and it is dangerous," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an update on the weather conditions in the region. "We are anticipating the longest cold stretch and the highest snow totals the State has seen in several years."

Hochul updated New Yorkers on the state's response as a massive winter storm system brings heavy snowfall to most of the state. Updated forecasts show snow totals in areas of the upper Hudson Valley could reach up to two feet. Snow in New York City, the lower Hudson Valley and on Long Island will turn to sleet Sunday night before returning to snow Monday.

"Sleet is dangerous," Hochul said. "Sleet can also create icy hazardous conditions on the roads and sidewalks. And we've not seen — New York City as I have mentioned is going to see a foot of snow — We've not had that level of snow since 2021, so it's been a number of years."

As a State of Emergency remains in place statewide, the governor urged New Yorkers to remain inside and avoid travel.

Meanwhile, all non-essential state employees have been directed to telecommute on Monday if possible.

"Snow has begun falling across much of the state and we are anticipating the longest cold stretch and the highest snow totals that we’ve had in several years," the governor said. "New Yorkers should avoid any unnecessary travel allowing first responders and plow crews to do their jobs in keeping people safe and clearing our roads. Take the weather seriously and take precautions to stay safe and stay warm."

To support Downstate response operations and local partners, Governor Hochul activated 100 service members of the New York National Guard with 24 Humvees on Friday. Beginning Saturday, they will be staged and ready to help local partners across New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley.

"I declared a State of Emergency on Friday and since then to enhance our response, we've deployed over 100 National Guard members — many of them are concentrated Downstate at this time to go where they're needed," Hochul said

Hochul gave the remarks from the state's Emergency Operations Center. She thanked those who work "24/7 to keep New Yorkers safe."

"I wanted to first acknowledge all of the first responders and those who are in rooms like this across the State, but also out in our communities and on the streets," she said. "We sleep safer at night and we are safer during a storm like this because of their hard work. This is certainly the coldest weather we've seen, the coldest winter storm we've seen in years — and truly New York State is locked into a grip here. A sort of an Arctic siege has taken over our State and many other States across the nation."

The governor said the current situation is uniquely challenging.

"We are anticipating the longest cold stretch and the highest snow totals the State has seen in several years. The longest cold stretch and the highest snow totals in years," Hochul said. "Already records in the State have been shattered. Shocking reports out of Watertown — the actual temperature in Watertown was -34 and -49 in Copenhagen. That is not the real feel — that is not the wind chill — that is the actual temperature. We've warned this to be dangerously cold and it has been unrelenting."

The governor urged New Yorkers to stay off the roads for the duration of the storm, and avoid travel tomorrow as well.

"So New Yorkers stay home — hunker down — root against the Patriots. That's up to you, that’s a personal decision," the governor said. "But also sign up for text alerts so you could be up to date with all the information we want to share with you. 333-111, after you type in your county and your borough, you'll get everything you need to know, and monitor all the local forecasts and warnings."