February 22, 2023
Governor Kathy Hochul today urged caution as a winter storm is forecast to impact upstate regions beginning Wednesday afternoon, particularly in the North Country and parts of the Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley and Western New York, where snow or sleet is expected to slowly spread from the New York/Pennsylvania border northeast and reach parts of the North Country by Wednesday night. Some areas in the North Country could see up to a foot of snow, with up to 18 inches of snow possible near Ogdensburg, and many regions will experience ice accumulation up to a quarter inch, with potential for a half-inch in Western New York and the Finger Lakes, bringing the threat of localized power outages due to downed trees and power lines. Travel conditions in these regions are expected to begin deteriorating Wednesday afternoon and continue through Thursday. The most impactful weather is likely to occur Wednesday night through Thursday morning. Wet and heavy snow falling mixed with sleet and ice will impact commutes and potentially cause localized power outages. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to monitor local weather forecasts, take precautions if commuting Wednesday and Thursday and to be ready for changing weather conditions.
“Most of Upstate New York is preparing for another winter storm that could bring a foot or more of snow in the North Country, and a wintry mix of ice and sleet that will impact travel Wednesday through Thursday,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers in impacted regions should take action now to prepare for the incoming snow and ice, as power outages and hazardous travel are a concern this week.”
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Winter returns this week with a foot of snow for the North Country and up to a half foot of snow for areas just north of the Thruway between Syracuse and Albany. Snowfall and ice accumulation Wednesday into Thursday will lead to dangerous travel conditions and the potential for power outages. New Yorkers in these areas should pay close attention to their local forecast and take all necessary precautions if traveling.’
A number of Winter Storm Watches and Weather Advisories are currently in effect for the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Southern Tier, Western New York, Finger Lakes and Capital Regions through Thursday night. Some locations in the Watch area could see up to a foot of snow, especially in the Tug Hill area and southern Adirondacks, and between a quarter to a half inch of ice accumulation in several locations by Thursday. As the weather system moves west to east across the state, snow is expected to switch over to sleet and freezing rain in some places, with valley locations seeing more snow and freezing rain, and locations in higher elevations receiving just rain.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph are also expected on Thursday, which could cause additional travel and power impacts, especially in areas receiving ice accumulation. In New York City and Long Island, precipitation is expected to begin as (or quickly switch over to) rain with little snow or ice accumulation expected. For a complete listing of weather warnings in your area, visit your area’s National Weather Service website.
According to the Department of Public Service, New York’s utilities have approximately 6,900 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, wire guarding, response, repair, and restoration efforts for this week’s winter weather event. This includes an additional 1,100 external line and tree FTEs secured by National Grid and an additional 300 external line and tree FTEs secured by NYSEG/RG&E. DPS staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.
