LIVE: New York Governor Hochul holds briefing on winter storm

New York State Weather Emergency Briefing – February 2nd, 2024

Key Concepts: Extreme Cold, Lake Effect Snow, Blizzard Conditions (potential), State of Emergency, Travel Advisories, Hypothermia, Frostbite, Road Safety, Emergency Preparedness, Special Election Impacts, Utility Preparedness, Code Blue Activation.

I. Current Weather Situation & Forecast

New York State is facing a significant weather event characterized by plummeting temperatures and substantial snowfall. Currently, temperatures are decreasing rapidly statewide. By Saturday night, dangerous cold is expected, with wind chills reaching -40 to -50°F in the North Country. Real-feel temperatures will be below zero across much of the state, including -20°F along the I-90 corridor (Buffalo to Albany) and -10°F downstate (Hudson Valley, New York City, Long Island). This level of cold is unusual for downstate New York.

Two primary weather systems are contributing to the situation:

• Extreme Cold: Presents immediate risks of frostbite (potentially within 5 minutes of exposure) and hypothermia (symptoms include poor coordination, slurred speech, exhaustion, shivering).
• Lake Effect Snow: Heavy snowfall is occurring off Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The Tug Hill area and Watertown are forecast to receive 1-2 feet of snow, while the Southern Tier could see up to 18 inches. Buffalo is expected to receive 4-6 inches.
• Large Storm System: A new storm system is expected to impact New York starting Saturday night and continuing through Monday, bringing 12-18 inches of snow to Long Island, New York City, Hudson Valley, Capitol Region, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, and Central New York. Other areas could receive upwards of a foot. Forecasts have been upgraded (increased snowfall predictions) since the previous day.

While high winds are not currently predicted to reach blizzard levels, squalls of 25-35 mph are possible.

II. Potential Impacts & Risks

• Public Health: The primary concern is frostbite and hypothermia due to the extreme cold.
• Transportation: Up to a foot of snow downstate, particularly in a densely populated area like New York City, could be paralyzing. Snowfall combined with even moderate winds could create hazardous driving conditions.
• Infrastructure: While a major ice event is not anticipated, prolonged snowfall could strain infrastructure. Utility crews are on standby for potential power outages.
• Special Elections: Early voting scheduled for Sunday is suspended, with the possibility of Monday’s early voting also being suspended, due to the weather. The Board of Elections will add additional voting hours before February 3rd to compensate for lost early voting time.
• Heart Health: Shoveling snow poses an increased risk of heart attack or cardiac arrest.

III. State Response & Preparedness Measures

Governor Hochul has taken the following actions:

• State of Emergency: Declared a State of Emergency to facilitate resource deployment and coordination.
• Remote Work: Authorized all state employees to work remotely on Monday to reduce traffic. Private employers are encouraged to do the same.
• Road Clearing: Prioritizing road clearing to allow emergency vehicles access. Commissioner Dominguez confirmed sufficient salt supplies (114,000 tons on hand).
• Utility Coordination: 5,600 utility workers are on standby to respond to power outages.
• Vulnerable Populations: Human services agencies are preparing to protect unsheltered individuals, activating “Code Blue” protocols.
• Transportation Protection: Coordination with the MTA and New York City Mayor to protect the subway system and downstate transportation.
• Resource Allocation: 1,600 large plows, 149 medium plows, snowblowers, and throughway equipment are deployed.
• Public Information: Providing regular updates and encouraging residents to stay informed. Residents can text their county/borough name to 33311 for emergency updates.

IV. Recommendations for New Yorkers

• Stay Informed: Monitor forecasts and travel advisories.
• Stock Up: Purchase food, water, baby food, pet food, and prescriptions.
• Limit Travel: Stay home as much as possible.
• Vehicle Preparation: If travel is necessary, ensure vehicles are equipped with food, water, blankets, a flashlight, and cat litter for traction. Pre-charge cell phones.
• Home Preparation: Protect pipes from freezing, use space heaters safely, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Roll towels under doors and use plastic window coverings to insulate. Do not use generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors.
• Personal Safety: Dress in layers, keep skin dry, and be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Be cautious when shoveling snow.
• Community Support: Check on elderly neighbors and pets.

V. Notable Quotes

• “Frostbite can set in literally within five minutes of exposure as well as hypothermia.” – Governor Hochul
• “I know you’re tough. I know you can handle this. But let’s just get through this weekend safely and live to tell the stories about it afterward.” – Governor Hochul
• “We’ve been preparing for this for a while, going back a year and a half when the governor charged us with working with localities for preparations.” – Acting Commissioner Terry Olirri

VI. Technical Terms & Concepts

• Wind Chill: The perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the body on exposed skin due to the flow of air.
• Hypothermia: A dangerous drop in body temperature.
• Frostbite: Damage to body tissue caused by freezing.
• Lake Effect Snow: Snowfall that occurs when cold, dry air passes over relatively warm lake water.
• Code Blue: A protocol activated during extreme cold weather to provide shelter and services to unsheltered individuals.
• Move Over Law: Requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles.

VII. Conclusion

New York State is facing a serious winter weather event requiring proactive preparation and caution. The combination of extreme cold and significant snowfall poses risks to public health and safety, as well as potential disruptions to transportation and infrastructure. The state is actively preparing and coordinating a response, but individual preparedness and adherence to safety recommendations are crucial for navigating this challenging weather situation. The Governor emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and looking out for vulnerable populations.