State Of Emergency Declared As Storm Threatens Blizzard-Like Conditions

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A blizzard warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for parts of southern Westchester, New York City, Long Island and southern Connecticut, and Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for the city and more than 20 counties as a major storm is expected to hit Sunday through Monday.

Near-blizzard conditions are expected for most of the Hudson Valley.

New York faces the threat of coastal flooding, power outages and unsafe road conditions as the powerful nor'easter barrels down. Hochul warned residents to take the blizzard warning seriously and make preparations to ride out the storm.

"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," Hochul said in a written statement. "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."

The emergency declaration covers Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Greene, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and contiguous counties.

According to the governor's office, up to two feet of snow is expected to fall on New York City and Long Island, while regions including the Hudson Valley and the Capital area could see as much as a foot of snow.

With the declaration, the governor called up 100 National Guard members and put more than 5,600 utility workers on standby to tackle anticipated power outages.

The NWS has issued a Winter Storm warning for nearly the entire Hudson Valley region beginning at 5:48 a.m. Sunday morning. Widespread heavy snowfall is expected, with significant to major accumulations of a foot or more in some areas. Blizzard conditions are expected at the coast, including the entire Westchester County Sound Shore and the New York City metro area.

Widespread minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible Sunday night into Monday morning high tide. Areas of dune erosion are likely, with localized flooding possible along the ocean beachfront Sunday night into Monday morning. Gale to storm conditions and high seas are possible for the entire Long Island Sound.

The nor'easter will develop off the mid-Atlantic coast on Sunday and track off the coast through Monday. The storm is projected to rapidly intensify.

There is the potential for heavy snowfall accumulations as far north as Albany, where a Winter Storm Watch is in effect. There remains some uncertainty on the track of this storm and how far inland snowfall will reach which would impact overall snowfall totals., according to the National Weather Service.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has declared a State of Emergency for the County effective Sunday at 6 p.m. in anticipation of the winter storm.

"We are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of our residents," Jenkins said. "We strongly urge everyone to stay home if possible."

Residents are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel, especially Sunday evening into Monday. Officials are also advising the public to charge all electronic devices in advance in case of power outages, ecure outdoor items due to expected high winds, and monitor local forecasts and official updates.

The Westchester County Departments of Emergency Services, Public Safety and Public Works and Transportation are prepared and will be actively monitoring conditions, according to the County Executive.

On Monday, Long Island Rail Road plans to operate on a Sunday schedule with modifications as necessitated by evolving weather conditions, the governor's office announced. 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, Hochul added.

Patch staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.