Governor Kathy Hochul has called on New Yorkers to exercise caution as lake effect snow is expected to impact Western New York, Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and the North Country from Wednesday through Saturday, November 29. The timing coincides with Thanksgiving travel, which is typically among the busiest periods of the year. Officials warn that snow combined with high winds could create hazardous conditions for drivers.
“Thanksgiving is the busiest travel time of the year, and as lake effect snow enters our holiday plans, I am urging New Yorkers to exercise caution by leaving extra time for travel and monitoring for weather updates,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re preparing to deploy resources to keep New Yorkers safe and our roadways clear, and we will continue to work with our local partners to ensure everyone has a safe and joyful Thanksgiving with their friends and family.”
State agencies are taking steps in preparation for the storm. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is coordinating with local counterparts and readying emergency response assets. The Department of Transportation has over 3,500 operators and supervisors statewide, along with more than 1,600 large plow trucks and other equipment prepared for deployment.
The Thruway Authority also has hundreds of operators available and significant resources on hand, including plow trucks and over 131,000 tons of salt. Motorists are reminded that snowplows operate at slower speeds for safety reasons and should not be passed while they are working.
Utility companies have about 5,500 workers ready across the state to respond to any power outages or damage caused by the storm. The Department of Public Service continues oversight of utility preparedness.
The New York State Police will adjust staffing as needed in response to changing conditions and coordinate efforts with multiple agencies. The Department of Environmental Conservation advises proper disposal of snow to prevent flooding or water contamination.
Officials encourage residents to monitor weather forecasts through sources such as the National Weather Service at alerts.weather.gov. People are also urged to enable government emergency alerts on their mobile phones or sign up for real-time notifications by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
Those planning outdoor activities in backcountry areas like the Adirondacks or Catskills should prepare for rapidly changing conditions by checking trail updates online before heading out.
In addition to weather-related guidance, state regulations require local social services districts to provide shelter during Code Blue events when temperatures drop below freezing. Cold weather safety tips can be found on various state agency websites covering topics such as frostbite prevention, carbon monoxide poisoning risks, generator use, winter driving safety, and best practices for working outdoors in extreme cold.
Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during intense snowfall periods and ensure vehicles are equipped with survival gear such as blankets, shovels, extra clothing, food supplies, battery boosters, and communication devices.
The public is encouraged to use official resources like www.511NY.org or its mobile version m.511ny.org for up-to-date traffic information across New York State.
