State Of Emergency Declared In NY Ahead Of 'Dangerous' Snowstorm

NEW YORK— Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency across New York as a major snowstorm and plummeting temperatures barrel toward the area, making it "a very dangerous weather event," she said.

On Long Island and in other downstate areas, up to 18 inches of snow are expected. "Some of those downstate areas have not seen snow totals like this in years," Hochul said.

She added: "We're here to send out the alarm. All New Yorkers are heading into a very dangerous weather event — throughout every corner of the state. No one is immune to feeling the effects of Mother Nature's wrath."

Conditions, she said, "are intensifying as we speak. We're used to winter in New York. We think we're ready for this —but when you get complacent, that's when you get into trouble."

In advance of Sunday's snow, which is expected to begin early Sunday morning and last through Monday, frigid cold is expected to send temperatures plummeting Friday night, she said.

"These are some of the most dangerous temperatures we've seen in years," she said. "In the north country, you'd better up; we are expecting up to minus-40 and minus-50 wind chills." In Buffalo and Albany, and across the I-95 corner, it will feel like minus-20, she said.

In New York City and Long Island, those wind chills will make it feel as though it's minus-10 degrees Friday night, she said.

"That's something that part of the state is not accustomed to," Hochul said. "We're worried about frostbite, which can set in within five minutes of exposure — as well as hypothermia."

Symptoms of hypothermia include poor coordination, slurred speech and shivering, she said.

The state of emergency, Hochul said, will allow resources to be expeditiously sent to communities to keep New Yorkers safe.