GOVERNOR HOCHUL UPDATES NEW YORKERS ON COASTAL STORM

Governor Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on a potent coastal storm that began impacting Long Island, New York City, and the Mid-Hudson region yesterday with rain, strong winds, and storm surges. The Governor continues to caution New Yorkers, particularly those in shoreline and low-lying coastal communities on Long Island, in New York City and the lower Mid-Hudson, to take necessary precautions as high winds will cause power outages, dangerous surf, with the potential for coastal and isolated flooding. Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency yesterday for Long Island, New York City and Westchester County and activated the State Emergency Operations Center.

“A dangerous nor’easter is already bearing down on the coastal areas of Long Island, New York City and Westchester County,” Governor Hochul said. “This storm poses a significant risk, and I urge New Yorkers to stay informed, stay prepared and stay safe this weekend.”

Forecast

Minor coastal flooding has already been observed along the south shore of Nassau County with moderate-to-locally-major coastal flooding possible across portions of New York City and Long Island tonight through Sunday night, and will be most impactful during the high tides.

The locations of highest concern are the southern shores of Queens, Nassau, and southwestern Suffolk Counties. 1-2 feet of inundation is expected, with up to 3.5 feet in vulnerable areas. Roads along the shore will likely become flooded and impassable. Minor coastal flooding has the potential to continue into Monday.

Wind gusts of more than 40 mph have been observed across New York City and Long Island, with wind gusts expected to gradually increase to more than 50 mph overnight. Localized peak wind gusts up to 60 mph are possible downstate, with the highest risk across eastern Long Island. Expect a prolonged period of strong winds in the 40-60 mph range, with gusts gradually weakening Sunday morning. With trees still having full canopies and winds coming from a relatively uncommon direction (from the north-northeast), wind damage will likely be exacerbated. Expect scattered-to-widespread tree damage and power outages across eastern Long Island, gradually decreasing to the north and west into NYC and the Mid-Hudson, with isolated outages potentially continuing into the southern Capital Region.

Light rain is expected to continue to move west overnight, with pockets of locally moderate rain likely moving in tomorrow morning. As of now, the heaviest rain is expected to occur early Sunday morning, when peak rain rates around 1 inch per hour may be possible. Outside of the locally heavier pockets, expect rain rates to generally be less than 0.5 inches per hour. For the Capital Region, Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island, expect widespread rain totals of 1-3 inches, with localized peak totals of 4-6 inches. High-end totals are most likely across eastern Long Island, but bands of rain could also allow for localized high end totals in the southern Capital Region. Expect widespread ponding and flooding in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Isolated-to-scattered flash flooding is still possible downstate in urban and flood prone areas, and where drainage systems may be already overwhelmed from coastal flooding.

New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches, and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

State Actions

Department of Public Service staff remain in contact with the utilities on storm impacts, outage information and restorations, and will ensure the utilities are working with partner agencies on any infrastructure safety and/or road clearing needs.

The New York State regulated electric utilities have been coordinating preparations throughout the week. Currently, there are 5,805 workers available statewide to support response, restoration, and repairs. This includes 305 overhead mutual aid contractors secured by Con Edison.

The State’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been in contact with its local partners on Long Island, New York City, and lower Hudson Valley for several days and will stay engaged throughout. OEM is prepared to facilitate any local requests for assistance with State stockpiles ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center, New York’s 24/7 alert and warning hub, is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

Cut and toss crews from State Parks and DEC have been pre-staged to help State DOT clear debris. The Office of Fire Prevention and Control has also pre-staged high axle vehicles and swift water rescue teams.

The State Department of Transportation is responding with 3,375 supervisors and operators available statewide. Maintenance crews have responded to multiple reports of downed trees, especially in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island, and will continue patrols to maintain awareness of general conditions. All equipment is ready to deploy and impacted residency locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.

Motorists are reminded to treat dark traffic signals as all-way stops. In the event a traffic signal is malfunctioning or completely out of service due to a power outage, motorists should come to a complete stop and then take turns proceeding through the intersection.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1404 large dump trucks
• 50 loader-grapple attachments
• 324 loaders
• 20 vacuum trucks with sewer jet
• 91 tracked and wheeled excavators
• 10 tree crew bucket trucks
• 32 traffic signal trucks
• 33 water pumps
• 96 chippers

The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Jones Beach State Park maintenance staff have reinforced a sand berm to protect the Central Mall and main boardwalk area from flooding. State Parks staff have stockpiled and placed sandbags around vulnerable buildings at oceanfront parks. The beaches have been cleared of all non-essential equipment as well as trash receptacles and signage. Storm drains and runoff areas are being checked and cleared as needed. Additionally, two sawyer crews are on standby to assist with clearing roadways of downed trees and limbs. Park Police will be providing a four-member Swift Water Rescue Team from Western New York to assist as needed.

Swimming is not currently allowed at New York State Park beaches. Boaters should follow these tips to keep themselves and their boats safe during the storm:

• Monitor the weather
• Get off the water before the storm arrives
• Always wear a life jacket
• Have a backup plan and know where your closest shelter is
• File a float plan with a trusted person on shore.

If you own a boat, remember to secure the boat to the dock (if applicable); store or remove loose equipment, and ensure bilge pumps are on and working.

Many programs and events in affected areas have been cancelled. Check with the park before you go. For additional updates regarding park hours, openings and closings, visit parks.ny.gov, check the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call their local park office.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues.

Delays and partial suspensions can be expected on the Long Island Rail Road’s Long Beach branch due to localized flooding across tracks. LIRR crews were prepositioned to address conditions as they develop.

Several bus routes in Queens are detouring around flooded streets and downed power lines. Routes will be adjusted throughout the storm as necessary.

Elevator and escalator specialists are deployed to flood-prone locations to address any weather-related issues.

Due to high winds, MTA Bridges and Tunnels implemented a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks beginning Saturday, Sept. 26, at 12:01 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Pedestrian walkways on bridges may also be closed if high winds are forecast.

Customers are encouraged to check the MTA app and/or TrainTime app for the latest service updates and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers can also sign up for real-time service alerts or visit mta.info before traveling.

The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, including coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to monitor coastal resiliency projects, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

DEC reminds local officials to watch for potential flooding and coastal erosion in their communities. Municipalities are encouraged to undertake local assessments of flood-prone areas and to remove any accumulating debris. DEC permits and authorization are not required to remove debris unless stream banks or beds will be disturbed by debris removal and/or the use of heavy equipment. Municipalities and local governments are advised to contact DEC’s Regional Permit Administrators if assistance is required and to help determine if a permit is necessary.

If a permit is necessary, DEC can issue Emergency Authorizations to expedite approval of projects in place of an individual permit. DEC approves Emergency Authorizations for situations that are deemed an emergency based on the immediate protection of life, health, general welfare, property, or natural resources.

Safety Tips for New Yorkers

As the state experiences high winds, coastal flooding, and rain, New Yorkers should take the following precautions:

• Stay Informed: Regularly check local weather forecasts for updates on the storm’s track and intensity. Ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on your mobile phone.
• Stay Out of the Water: Avoid swimming, surfing, or boating. Extremely dangerous rip currents and high surf make entering the ocean life-threatening. Stay off rock jetties and beaches where sudden high waves can sweep you into the water.
• Do Not Drive Through Flooded Roads: If you encounter water on the roadway, turn around and find an alternate route. As little as six inches of moving water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, and two feet of water can sweep a car away.
• Secure Outdoor Items: High winds can turn loose items into dangerous projectiles. Secure patio furniture, trash cans, umbrellas, and other outdoor decorations.
• Prepare for Potential Power Outages: Charge your cell phones and other essential mobile devices. Keep flashlights and fresh batteries handy. Avoid using candles for emergency lighting due to fire risks.
• Stay Clear of Downed Power Lines: Never touch or go near downed utility lines, as they may still be live and highly dangerous. Report downed lines immediately to your local utility provider.
• Check on Neighbors: If safe to do so, check on vulnerable neighbors, friends, and family members—especially the elderly or those with functional needs—to ensure they are safe and prepared.

For more preparedness information and safety tips from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, visit dhses.ny.gov.