Several weather systems moving through the state will bring ice-cold temperatures and frigid temperatures. The Arctic blast expected to strike has prompted New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to take emergency measures.
Cuomo said that he has “directed a Level 3 activation of the State Emergency Operations Center in order to prepare for and assist with any potential emergency response activities.”
Area residents are also being warned that there will be an increased risk of travel during the week, with high wind gusts in some areas upstate that could produce blizzard-like conditions. There is also a threat of black ice forming on roadways when the Arctic weather hits.
The region is expected to get several inches of snow leading up to Wednesday, followed by the blast of Arctic air that will deliver freezing temperatures. Daytime temperatures are expected to drop as low as the single digits. Flooding and winter weather watches have already been issued by the National Weather Service.
Cuomo said the New York State Department of Transportation has 1,598 large plow trucks ready to be deployed, with nearly 100 in reserve. In the mid-Hudson Valley, officials will be receiving two equipment operator instructors from Long Island and two equipment operator instructors from the Southern Tier.
Cuomo also noted that the New York State Police are ready to deploy additional patrols during the storm as needed to affected areas. All four-wheel drive vehicles will be deployed and all specialty vehicles, including snowmobiles and Utility Task Vehicles, are staged and ready for deployment.
"Safety is our number one priority, and we are once again urging New Yorkers to prepare for the upcoming winter weather and to travel with caution in these potentially dangerous conditions," the governor stated. "State agencies are out in full force conducting preparatory operations and will remain engaged throughout the week to assist localities with whatever they need."
A complete list of tips from the governor's office to help residents brave the cold can be found here.
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