Hochul Outlines New Travel Restrictions As Winter Storm Sets To Slam NY

NEW YORK — As residents prepare for Sunday's major snowstorm, Gov. Kathy Hochul has sent out an update that includes new travel restrictions during the storm.

According to Hochul, beginning at 12 a.m. Sunday, all commercial vehicles are required to travel exclusively in the right travel lane on all state roads.

That includes the New York State Thruway, she said. In addition, a travel ban for long combination tandem vehicles will be in place on the Thruway beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday.

Hochul declared a statewide state of emergency Friday — and also activated 100 members of the National Guard with 24 vehicles to help the downstate areas, including Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley, and New York City.`

The storm system, Hochul said, has already brought bitterly cold temperatures to the entire state and is expected to bring at least a foot of snow to the majority of the region.

"New Yorkers know how to handle winter, but it’s critical everyone treat this weather like the dangerous situation it is," Hochul said. "From bitterly cold temperatures to heavy snowfall that will create treacherous travel conditions, there is no shortage of risks to being outside or traveling during the next few days, so I am urging everyone to be smart and stay home, stay warm, and stay safe."

The storm is expected to begin impacting the southernmost portions of the state in the early morning hours and then progressively move north to cover the entire state by late morning and early afternoon hours.

The storm is expected to continue until Monday afternoon, with about a foot expected on Long Island, the National Weather Service said.

Beginning on Sunday evening, there is a chance that snow may transition into sleet on Long Island and in New York City, which has slightly decreased the projected snow totals in those areas to the 8-to-12-inch range, Hochul said.

Peak wind gusts could reach 35+miles per hour in those areas as well, which will increase the potential for some blowing snow and whiteout conditions, adding to the already treacherous travel conditions expected throughout the duration of the storm.

In addition to preparing for snow and wind, New Yorkers should also prepare to protect against the dangers that can result from colder weather and winter activities, Hochul said.

Uder state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equal less than 32 degrees. Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended.

The New York State Department of Labor advised workers and employers to engage in extreme cold weather best practices such as:

• Limit outdoor work, provide frequent breaks in warm areas and schedule outdoor work during the warmest times of the day.
• Ensure access to clean drinking water.
• Stay hydrated with warm beverages and avoid drinking caffeine.
• Wear proper PPE, including at least three layers of clothing, gloves or mittens, thick socks, insulated footwear and a hat, hood or hard hat liner.

Crews have been sent out statewide, Hochul said.

Long Island

-Receiving 8 operators, 1 service technician, and 1 snow blower from the Capital Region
-Receiving 14 operators, 1 service technician, and 1 snow blower from the Mohawk Valley
-Receiving 8 operators, 1 supervisor, and 2 service technicians from Central NY
-Receiving 6 operators from the Finger Lakes
-Receiving 10 operators and 2 supervisors from the North Country
-Receiving 6 operators, 1 supervisor, and 2 service technicians from the Eastern So. Tier

All staff are currently in travel mode and will be in place by Saturday evening. The need for additional resources (operators, trucks, mechanics, equipment operator instructors) will be constantly re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event.

All available snow and ice equipment is ready to deploy. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1629 large plow trucks (Long Island: 248)
• 149 medium duty plows (Long Island: 17)
• 53 tow plows (Long Island: 1)
• 336 large loaders (Long Island: 36)
• 37 snow blowers (Long Island: 1)

Adequate salt is on hand, Hochul said. Parks and DEC have identified a total of 10 crews to be available for cut and toss missions, if needed. Two Crews will be available in each of the following locations: Long Island, Southern Tier, Central NY, Capital District, Mid-Hudson. All crews will be on standby starting at noon on Sunday and will remain on standby through close of business Tuesday.

Generator stockpiles are being readied to support dark signals. An additional 40 generators are available to support possible needs on Long Island.

Tow services will be provided in the following locations: I-495 (Nassau – multiple), and I-495 (Suffolk – multiple). The need for additional tow trucks will be evaluated as the event develops. Additionally, HELP truck beats will be extended in impacted areas.

Department staff is available to support County EOCs as needed for Incident Command System support.

Hochul also offered Winter Driving Safety Tips:

• Monitor the forecast for your local area and areas you may be travelling to.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cellphone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit.
• Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, to safely clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions.
• Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it's operating.

Power Outage Safety Tips

• Do not go near or touch fallen or sagging power lines: treat all wires as live and dangerous. Keep children and pets away from fallen electric wires. Never touch any lines or any items that are in contact with lines.
• Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• If heat goes out during a storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

To report an electric outage, call:

PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075