New York Governor Kathy Hochul has advised residents to be cautious as a storm system is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and the risk of coastal flooding across the state from Thursday night through midday Friday. The storm could result in localized urban and river flooding, and colder air following the weather event may lead to snow and icy roads. Hazardous travel conditions are anticipated on Friday, with high winds possibly causing power outages and damage to trees.
Governor Hochul stated: “New Yorkers are no strangers to bad weather, but it is always important to be aware of the forecast to be able to plan accordingly. As we gear up for holiday travel, New Yorkers should make sure their cars are packed and prepared with safety equipment like first aid kits and shovels, extra warm clothes, blankets and water. Drive slowly and stay safe as we head into the weekend.”
According to forecasts, rain will start in Western New York late Thursday evening before moving eastward overnight. The heaviest rainfall is expected early Friday morning in eastern parts of the state, with rainfall rates potentially reaching an inch per hour. Rainfall totals in western areas may range from 0.25 to 0.75 inches—possibly up to an inch locally—while eastern regions could see between 0.5 inches and one inch overall, with some locations getting as much as two inches.
Winds are also a concern during this period; gusts of 40–50 miles per hour are possible statewide, with some areas experiencing gusts up to 65 miles per hour. Wind direction will shift from south on Thursday night to west by Friday.
Colder air arriving behind the storm may cause rain to change over to snow in regions east of the Great Lakes and at higher elevations on Friday morning through Friday night. Forecasts call for one to three inches of snow in Western New York and the North Country—with localized amounts possibly reaching eight inches—and wet snow could increase risks related to downed trees or power outages.
The cold temperatures may cause wet roadways to freeze quickly on Friday evening, creating hazardous driving conditions due to black ice.
A Code Blue will automatically take effect when temperatures or wind chills fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit under state regulations. This requires local social services districts ensure that people experiencing homelessness have access to shelter during such periods.
The New York State Department of Labor recommends employers limit outdoor work during extreme cold conditions by providing frequent breaks in warm areas, scheduling outdoor tasks for warmer times of day, ensuring workers have access to clean drinking water (preferably warm beverages), avoiding caffeine intake, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment including multiple layers of clothing.
High Wind Warnings, Wind Advisories, High Wind Watches and Coastal Flood Advisories have been issued throughout New York State. Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts via updates from the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/.
State agencies have made preparations ahead of the storm:
– The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management remains in contact with local counterparts.
– The Department of Transportation has more than 3,600 supervisors and operators ready statewide along with plow trucks and other response equipment.
– For real-time travel information motorists can visit www.511NY.org or use its mobile site m.511ny.org.
– The Thruway Authority continues monitoring weather forecasts using variable message signs and social media alerts; its mobile app offers live traffic updates.
– Regulated electric utilities have more than 6,400 workers available for repair efforts across New York State—including nearly 1,000 additional contractors hired specifically for this event.
– State Police troopers stand ready across all regions while coordinating closely with other agencies.
– Environmental Conservation staff remain alert for potential impacts; they remind those responsible for snow removal not dispose snow into waterways which can create ice dams leading to floods.
– Hikers should avoid high-elevation trails temporarily due hazardous winter conditions; hikers can find updates at Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages.
For winter driving safety tips—which include monitoring forecasts before traveling or stocking vehicles with emergency supplies—officials advise motorists not attempt passing snowplows or following too closely due limited visibility caused by blowing snow.
Residents are urged also enable government emergency alerts on their phones or sign up for text notifications by texting their county name or borough name to 333111.
