Governor Cuomo today announced that the State
Emergency Operations Center is being activated with State Emergency
Management as a complex storm system will impact the state Thursday
through Friday evening, bringing strong winds and heavy snow and rain.
At the Governor's direction, Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul will be deployed
to Buffalo, while Director of State Operations Cathy Calhoun and other
senior administration officials will be deployed to Regional Emergency
Operations Centers in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Binghamton,
Albany, Westchester County, New York City and Long Island.
This
storm will begin as rain Thursday evening and transition to snow from
west to east across the state on Friday. In New York City and Long
Island, the forecast calls for rain accompanied by strong winds which
will likely lead to coastal flooding in low lying areas and could cause
tree damage and power outages. The Friday morning and evening commutes
in areas receiving snow will be slow and hazardous due to wintery
conditions and low visibility.
"As the saying goes,
March is coming in like a lion and we are preparing for heavy snow,
rain, and flooding across New York this weekend," said Governor Cuomo. "As
we are preparing for whatever Mother Nature throws our way, I am asking
for everyone to listen to weather forecasts in your community and take
the necessary precautions to prepare for conditions."
"We
stand ready and plan to deploy our agencies and provide resources to
help communities that will be impacted by the impending Nor'easter," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.
"We encourage New Yorkers to prepare for heavy snowfall, rain and high
winds and if possible to avoid travel and stay indoors. We urge those
who have to travel to take extreme caution to ensure their safety in the
event of high snow accumulation and potential flooding."
Current Forecasts
Winter
Storm and Flood Watches and Warnings have been posted for many areas
upstate. For a current list of active alerts from the National Weather
Service click here.
On
Long Island and in New York City, winds of 40 mph are forecast with
gusts as high as 70 mph possible in eastern Long Island. These high
winds have the potential to result in tree damage and power outages with
the coastal areas facing the greatest risk. Two to 3 inches of rain is
forecast which could lead to flooding in poor drainage and urban areas.
Moderate coastal flooding and beach erosion is expected Friday morning
and there is a potential for moderate coastal flooding Friday evening
into Saturday evening during times of high tide across the South and
East bays of Long Island, Jamaica Bay, and the Atlantic coast.
Click here for the full announcement.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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