What to know
- On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to prepare as a storm system with heavy rain and very strong winds will likely cause flooding and power outages across the state starting Tuesday and continuing into Wednesday.
- Forecasts call for the system to start with snow, but then quickly transition to rain, except at higher elevations.
- The National Weather Service has already issued a series of watches and warnings for high winds and flooding across the state.
NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday urged New Yorkers to prepare as a storm system packing heavy rain and very strong winds will likely cause flooding and power outages across the state starting Tuesday and continuing into Wednesday.
Forecasts call for the system to start with snow, but then quickly transition to rain, except at higher elevations. Widespread rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is expected to cause snowmelt and flooding south of the Capital Region, especially in parts of the Hudson Valley that received up to 18 inches of snow over the weekend.
Additionally, there is a high risk of power outages as the system is expected to produce wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph in New York City, Long Island and other parts of the state.
“After weekend weather brought snow across our state, a new storm threatens to cause substantial flooding and hurricane force winds, posing a risk of power outages and creating unsafe travel conditions,” said Governor Hochul . “I have directed state agencies to closely monitor the storm as it develops and are prepared to work with our local partners as necessary. “I ask all New Yorkers to be careful and aware of weather and travel information in their area.”
The National Weather Service has already issued a series of watches and warnings for high winds and flooding across the state. For a complete list of weather alerts and forecasts, click here.
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An intensifying low pressure system will impact the region late Tuesday into Wednesday with heavy rainfall, flooding, strong gusty winds and coastal flooding. For all the details see our briefing at the link below. pic.twitter.com/aAOJpGqHFh
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) January 9, 2024
Here’s a list of how some New York agencies will prepare for severe weather this week:
New York State Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with more than 3,720 supervisors and operators. All field staff are available to participate and respond fully. Personnel can be configured into any type of response equipment needed (flood response, chipper, load and carry, sewer jetter, cut and throw, traffic signal, etc.). Crews are checking and cleaning drainage structures to ensure they are free of debris and blockages. All residences in affected locations will continue to be staffed for 24/7 operations with operators, supervisors and mechanics for the duration of the event and priority cleaning operations.
New York State Department of Public Service
Utility companies regulated by the Department of Public Service (DPS) have approximately 8,300 workers available across the state to participate in repair and restoration efforts from the latest winter weather system. This includes the following additional external contract FTEs:
- With Edison/O&R: 785 outside contract line workers and 50 contract tree workers.
- National Grid: 1,000 external contract line workers.
- NYSEG: 800 outside contract line workers and 200 contract tree workers.
- Central Hudson: 115 external contractual line workers.
- PSEG LI – 350 external contract line workers.
DPS staff will monitor utility work throughout the event and ensure utilities move appropriate personnel to regions experiencing the greatest impact. If your service is interrupted, visit the website Contact the DPS Utility Outage Service for advice.
New York State Police
State Police are monitoring weather conditions and are prepared to deploy additional troopers as needed. All State Police four-wheel drive and specialized vehicles, including airboats and utility off-road vehicles, are primed and ready for immediate response, and all emergency power and communication equipment has been tested.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Officials are monitoring conditions and strategically positioning personnel and equipment to be able to respond to weather conditions as necessary.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels will implement a ban on tractor-trailers and empty tandem trucks beginning Tuesday, January 9 at 6:00 pm The ban is expected to be in effect until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 10.
New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad crews will have equipment on hand to respond quickly when conditions warrant: chainsaws to clear fallen trees, pumps in case of flooded areas, identifying locations and availability of supplies. to replace damaged utility poles and crossing gates. Diesel locomotives will also be pre-positioned to minimize any potential impact on service.
Port Authority
The Port Authority monitors weather conditions in all its facilities. In the event of severe weather conditions, the agency issues periodic travel alerts and updates as necessary. For the latest information on Port Authority facilities, check out social media, sign up to receive PA alerts or download one of the PA mobile appsincluding RidePATH, which provides real-time updates and alerts for PATH service.
How to stay safe during storms
Floods
- Know the safest route from your home or business to safe, high ground in case you have to leave quickly.
- Keep your vehicle fueled or charged. If the power goes out, gas stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Keep a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
- Find out how many feet your property is above and below potential flood levels. When forecast flood levels are transmitted, you can determine if you may experience flooding.
- Have materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and wood on hand for emergency waterproofing.
Power outages
- If you use medications that require refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without problem; Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you have room in your refrigerator or freezer, consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving an inch of space inside each; This will help keep food cold if the power goes out.
- Plan to have an alternative source for cooking, such as a camp stove or outdoor grill. Follow appropriate safety rules for use outside the residence.
- Consider purchasing a generator and follow the rules for using it outside the residence. Before installing a generator, be sure to properly disconnect it from your business’s electrical service. If possible, have a qualified electrician install your generator.
- Keep extra blankets, coats, hats, and gloves on hand to stay warm.
- If you have a computer, back up files and operating systems regularly. Turn off all computers, monitors, and other devices when not in use.
- If you have an electric garage door opener, locate the manual release level and learn how to operate it.
- If you have an instrument or telephone system that requires electricity to operate, plan for alternative communication, such as a standard telephone, cell phone, or radio.
What to do if the power goes out
- Turn off or unplug major appliances and other equipment, for example, computers, in the event of a momentary power surge that could damage these devices. Keep a light on so you know when the power returns. Consider using surge protectors whenever you use electronic equipment.
- Call your utility provider to notify them of the outage and listen to local broadcasts for official information. Check with your utility company to determine repair schedules for the area.
- Check if neighbors and those with functional or access needs have power.
- Only use flashlights for emergency lighting; Candles present a fire risk.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed: Most foods that require refrigeration can be safely kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four (4) hours. A full freezer will maintain the temperature for approximately 48 hours.
- Do not use a charcoal grill indoors or use a gas stove for heat, as they could emit harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
- Stay warm by dressing in layers and minimizing time spent outdoors. Be alert for symptoms of cold stress (i.e., hypothermia) and seek appropriate medical attention if symptoms appear.
- Close rooms you don’t need.
Heating safety
- Use only safe sources of alternative heat, such as a fireplace, a small well-ventilated wood or charcoal stove, or portable heaters.
- When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, wood stove, etc., always ensure adequate ventilation. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces.
- Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work.
2024-01-09 11:08:46
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