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New York State Police issued an alert to motorists warning them to exercise caution if traveling during the pending storm.
According to the New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the state is anticipating that between 16 and 20 inches of snow will fall in the lower Hudson Valley, with more than a foot coming to upstate New York. State police cautioned that the storm may impact the region until Wednesday night, causing a combination of low visibility and slippery roadways, creating “treacherous travel conditions.”
Cuomo said Monday morning that he will activate the State Emergency Operations Center as the state prepares for the blockbuster storm.
In advance of the storm, state police have issued a series of tips for residents dealing with the storm.
- Allow extra time for commutes.
- Before driving a vehicle, clean snow and ice from the windows, headlights, and tail lights.
- Leave extra space for the vehicle in front of you.
- Make sure cars are stocked with survival gear like blankets, shovel, flashlight with batteries, extra warm clothing, snacks, and jumper cables.
- Keep gas tanks as full as possible in the event that one is stranded or stuck in traffic.
- Make sure someone knows travel plans and routes.
- For road conditions, traffic, travel and transit info, use http://511ny.org/ or call 511.
- Follow road closures and weather alerts on http://www.nyalert.gov
Snow, arriving in the early morning, will become heavy at times, with snowfall rates of up to 2 to 3 inches per hour possible at times.
By the time the Nor'easter, a convergence of two powerful storms -- one from the west and the other from the south -- wraps up during the event, parts of the area could be buried in as much as two feet of snow accumulation.
A Blizzard Warning is in effect until midnight Wednesday. During that time, the National Weather Service urges residents not to travel, saying in a statement: "Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle."
Snow and snow drifts could make some roads impassable, cause airline delays and flight cancellations and possibly lead to suspension of railroad travel. Nearly all schools and school districts in the area announced closures on Monday -- well ahead of the storm's arrival. Whiteout conditions are possible, as are power outages.
A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect for Southern Westchester from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday.
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