THE WORLD TELEGRAM (NEW YORK, NY) — A powerful winter storm swept the nation, hitting New York with gusts of wind and downpours across the state.
Governor Kathy Hochul placed the state under a state of emergency yesterday, in anticipation of the storm. The following actions are in place.
- Commercial vehicles are banned on NYS Thruway (I-90) between Exit 46 (Rochester, I-390) and the Pennsylvania Border from 6am on Friday 23 December.
- From 6am on Friday 23 December, there will be soft closures on Interstates and State Highways in Western New York
Additionally, the Commissioner for Homeland Security and Emergency Services is urging New Yorkers to avoid travelling between Friday and Sunday Morning due to these hazardous conditions, adding that, “In addition to hazardous roads, strong winds will likely cause power outages. Be prepared for the possibility of losing power.”
“With Mother Nature throwing everything she has at us this weekend, I encourage New Yorkers who are considering traveling for the holidays to do so before Friday or after Sunday to stay safe,”
“Our agencies are well prepared, coordinated and ready to deploy assets and equipment if needed to respond to the storm. We want all New Yorkers to get where they need to go safely to celebrate the holidays with loved ones.”Gov. Kathy Hochul, NY Governor
Here are the current weather warnings from the NWS (as of 16:48 EDT)
- New York City, Westchester, and Surrounding Areas
- Buffalo, NY & Surrounding Areas
- Albany, NY & Surrounding Areas
- Massena, NY & Surrounding Areas
New York City, Westchester, and Surrounding Areas
The National Weather Service issued several warnings across the five boroughs, and even into Connecticut and Long Island. Their statements are as follows.
Wind Advisory
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service New York NY
327 PM EST Fri Dec 23 2022
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
* WHERE...Portions of southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey and southeast New York.
* WHEN...Until 10 PM EST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS.. A brief period of damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph is possible.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service New York NY
415 PM EST Fri Dec 23 2022
...PATCHY BLACK ICE AND SUB-ZERO WIND CHILLS THIS EVENING INTO SATURDAY AM...
Air temperatures are quickly dropping into the teens and 20s, which may result in patchy black ice on elevated roadways, overpasses and bridges for the evening commute.
Black ice is nearly impossible to see and roadways may appear only wet. Please use extreme caution, especially on bridges, overpasses and around curves through the evening commute. Allow plenty of stopping distance and avoid braking suddenly.
In addition, gusty west winds will produce wind chill values between 0 and 10 below zero this evening through Saturday morning, with air temperatures in the single digits and teens.
Frostbite can occur in a short amount of time, dress in layers and make sure all exposed skin is protected.
Hazardous Outlook Forecast
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service New York NY
342 PM EST Fri Dec 23 2022
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING...
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeastern New York.
DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.
Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards.
Wind Advisory.
In addition, wind chills late tonight will likely range from 5 below zero to 10 below zero. A special weather statement has been issued.
With sub freezing temperatures any residual water will freeze and black ice is possible on untreated surfaces. A special weather statement has been issued.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.
Wind chills early Saturday morning will likely range from 5 below zero to 10 below zero. A special weather statement has been issued.
SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
&&
This Hazardous Weather Outlook provides a summary of potential widespread hazardous weather events that may reach NWS warning criteria. Most long fused NWS watches, warnings, and advisories in effect are highlighted.
Please refer to the latest NWS forecasts for weather not meeting NWS warning criteria.
Buffalo, NY & Surrounding Areas
Winter Storm Warning
Issued by: Buffalo – NY, US, National Weather Service
Affected Areas: Monroe county. Greatest snow accumulation across western portions of the county
Description:
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST SUNDAY…
WHAT…Lake effect snow and strong winds expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph. Through most of the weekend, very strong winds, lake effect snow, and blowing snow will produce localized blizzard conditions. Wind chills of 10 to 20 below zero.
WHERE…Monroe county. Greatest snow accumulation across western portions of the county.
WHEN…Until 7 AM EST Sunday.
IMPACTS…Travel for the holiday weekend will be extremely difficult to impossible at times. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility with whiteouts and localized blizzard conditions possible. Winds this strong could cause tree damage and numerous power outages. Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 10 to 20 below zero this weekend can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions.
Storm Warning
Issued by: Buffalo – NY, US, National Weather Service
Affected Areas: The nearshore and open waters of Lake Ontario
Description:
…STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST SATURDAY… …HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST SUNDAY…
WHAT…For the Storm Warning, southwest winds to 55 knots and waves 19 to 24 feet expected. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, heavy freezing spray at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater expected, and may rapidly accumulate on vessels.
WHERE…The nearshore and open waters of Lake Ontario.
WHEN…For the Storm Warning, until 7 PM EST Saturday. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, until 4 PM EST Sunday.
IMPACTS…Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Very strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Mariners should prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice on their vessel. If possible, remain in port, avoid the warning area or conduct mitigation.
Mariners should remain in port, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.
Albany, NY & Surrounding Areas
Wind Advisory
Issued by: Albany – NY, US, National Weather Service
Affected Areas: Portions of northwestern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, eastern New York and southern Vermont
Description:
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS EVENING…
WHAT…West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 – 45 mph.
WHERE…Portions of northwestern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, eastern New York and southern Vermont.
WHEN…Until 6 PM EST this evening. IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Massena, NY & Surrounding Areas
Lake Effect Snow Warning
Issued by: Burlington – VT, US, National Weather Service
Affected Areas: Northern and Southeastern St. Lawrence County
Description:
…LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST SUNDAY…
WHAT…Heavy lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches are expected across northern and southeastern St. Lawrence County. Localized higher amounts are possible. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.
WHERE…Northern and Southeastern St. Lawrence County.
WHEN…Until 7 PM EST Sunday.
IMPACTS…Travel will be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Near blizzard-like conditions are possible due to blowing snow resulting in very low visibilities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Please allow extra time if travel is necessary.