New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called on residents to remain vigilant as cold weather persists across the state for a third consecutive week. Temperatures are expected to stay below normal, with wind chills making it feel well below zero throughout the weekend. The ongoing conditions increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite for anyone outdoors without adequate protection. An offshore coastal storm is also forecasted, potentially bringing gusty winds and minor coastal flooding to Long Island from Saturday night through Sunday night.
“This winter has been brutal, but we must keep ourselves prepared in order to stay safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Accumulating snow and extreme cold poses a huge risk to those who may be out and about, so be sure to dress appropriately and have supplies on hand to keep yourself safe.”
To address the extreme cold, New York City will deploy 10 buses across all five boroughs as warming shelters during nighttime hours this weekend. Residents can access more information about these locations on New York City’s website.
State regulations require that a Code Blue alert goes into effect when temperatures or wind chill drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Local social services districts must then provide shelter access for individuals experiencing homelessness and extend shelter hours as needed. The Department of Health offers tips for staying safe in cold weather, including advice on preventing frostbite and hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning prevention, generator use guidelines, and winter driving safety.
The New York State Department of Labor recommends that employers limit outdoor work during extreme cold, offer frequent breaks in warm areas, ensure workers have clean drinking water, avoid caffeinated beverages, and wear multiple layers of clothing along with appropriate protective gear.
Weather advisories remain active across the state. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from local forecasts and the National Weather Service at their official website.
For emergency preparedness, New Yorkers should enable government alerts on their mobile phones and sign up for real-time weather notifications by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
Multiple state agencies are engaged in response efforts:
– The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is coordinating with local agencies and preparing emergency assets.
– The Department of Transportation has over 3,700 supervisors and operators ready statewide with plow trucks, loaders, tow plows, snow blowers, and continuous staffing at affected locations.
– The Thruway Authority has hundreds of operators available along with large quantities of salt; motorists are reminded that snowplows operate slower than posted speed limits for effective road treatment.
– The Department of Public Service is working with utility companies to maintain electric and gas service reliability; approximately 5,500 utility workers are available statewide.
– State Police will increase patrols where necessary.
– Environmental Conservation staff are monitoring conditions closely; guidance has been issued regarding proper snow disposal practices.
– Hikers are advised to avoid high-elevation trails during storms due to hazardous conditions; updated trail information is available from DEC.
– Parks personnel are monitoring park conditions; visitors should check online resources or call ahead before visiting state parks.
– The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will take steps such as spreading salt and clearing ice at transit stations while maintaining service updates online.
– The Port Authority advises air travelers to check flight status before heading to airports due to possible disruptions.
Residents planning travel should ensure vehicles are equipped with blankets, food supplies, tire chains or traction aids, flashlights with extra batteries, warm clothing changes, booster cables, distress signals such as bright cloths or flags. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows while they are operating due to reduced visibility behind plows.
In case of power outages:
Residents should avoid downed power lines which may be live; report outages directly using contact numbers provided by utility companies such as Central Hudson (800-527-2714), Con Ed (800-752-6633), National Grid (800-867-5222), NYSEG (800-572-1131), PSEG-LI (800-490-0075), among others listed in official guidance. More safety information is available at www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.
