Full Notification

The Winter Storm Severity Index has reached the major stage in Albany, Bronx, Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Steuben, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, and Westchester Counties from Sunday, January 25 through 7:00 a.m. Monday, January 26. Expect considerable disruptions to daily life as there will be dangerous or impossible driving conditions and widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure that may occur. 

The Winter Storm Severity Index reached the major stage due to the snow amount. Heavy snowfall and prolonged periods of frigid conditions are expected from Sunday, January 25, through Monday evening, January 26. Snowfall totals for this event are forecast to be between 12 and 18 inches, with localized higher amounts. The snow may mix with or change to sleet Sunday evening, which could limit accumulation amounts. Snowfall rates of 2 inches per hour are expected Sunday into Monday.

• Avoid travel if possible. Expect delays and closures. If you can't avoid traveling: clean off your vehicle before driving, drive slow and don't use cruise control, leave extra distance between vehicles, and don't crowd the plows. Roads can be slick even if they just look wet. 
• Practice safe shoveling: dress warmly, stay hydrated, move only small amounts of snow, and take frequent breaks. 
• If you are stranded in a vehicle, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by running the motor for 10 minutes every hour. While your car is running, open the windows slightly for fresh air. Keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow. 
• Tips to operate generators safely: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/generator 

For more safety tips visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/winter 

Continue monitoring updates to the forecast via local media or your nearest National Weather Service Office by visiting www.weather.gov and searching for your zip code.