The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services today urged New Yorkers in Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Capital Region and Mid-Hudson regions to prepare themselves for snow and mixed precipitation starting late tonight. A mix of snow showers, sleet, light freezing rain and gusty winds will push across the state beginning later today, into tomorrow as the system moves west to east overnight. Residents in these areas should expect snow covered roads and limited visibility, which could cause travel difficulties.

“With snow and mixed precipitation expected late tonight, New Yorkers should be prepared and use caution when driving due to reduced visibility and gusty winds,” Commissioner Roger L. Parrino, Sr., said. “We are watching this weather system and stand ready to assist our local partners as needed.”

Tonight, mostly cloudy skies are expected with a chance of snow, sleet, rain and freezing rain throughout the state. Temperatures will range from the low 20s to low 40s. Winds will generally be between 10-20 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph. In Central New York, Finger Lakes, North Country and Western New York regions, winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

In the North Country, wind chill values as low as minus eight degrees are possible. In the Mohawk Valley, new ice accumulation of less than a tenth of an inch is possible. The North Country could see two to four inches of snow while the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region could see one to two inches of snow. The snow and mixed precipitation could cause slippery road conditions overnight and during the Tuesday morning commute.

For a complete listing of weather watches and warnings, visit the National Weather Service website.

Safe Travel

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.
• Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.
• Wet leaves on roadways can cause slippery conditions, making it is important to drive at slower speeds when approaching patches of them.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• Do not attempt to drive over flooded roads, turn around and go another way. Water moving at two m.p.h. can sweep cars off a road or bridge.
• Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges, and low areas.
• If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.

Additionally, the leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, ensure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars, be extra alert, and remember, snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Moreover, always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 m.p.h., which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.

Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. 

Agency Preparations

The State Department of Transportation responds to storms with more than 1,500 large dump trucks, 52 tow plows and hundreds of other pieces of equipment, including snow blowers, smaller plow trucks, loaders and graders. This equipment, as well as more than 3,850 operators and supervisors, are deployed across the state as necessary in advance of winter storms to help keep roads safe.

Motorists are reminded to check 511NY before traveling at www.511NY.org or by downloading the mobile app. The free service allows users to check road conditions and features a winter travel advisory system with real-time travel reports and a color-coded map indicating which state roads are clear, wet or snow covered. The system provides motorists with a helpful resource to determine if travel is advisable.

The Thruway Authority has 660 supervisors and operators ready to deploy 247 Large Snow Plows, 128 Medium Snow Plows, 11 Tow Plows and 58 Loaders across the state with more than 118,000 tons of road salt on hand. Variable Message Signs, Highway Advisory Radio and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

The Thruway Authority is also encouraging motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway here.