Central New Yorkers are bracing for a lengthy winter storm that will bring heavy snow to the region into Friday evening. New York State is preparing by deploying personnel and equipment to virtually every corner of the state. WAER’s Scott Willis caught up with Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray. Here's a transcript of the interview:
SCOTT WILLIS: What’s the latest on the expected impact of the storm here in Central New York? We know there will be snow.
JACKIE BRAY: For sure, there will be snow. We expect Central New York to get anywhere between a foot and 18 inches of snow from tonight through tomorrow evening. We don't expect major wind from this storm, which is good news. But we do think given the level of snow, the roads might be hazardous. We're asking that folks take it slow. Don't travel if you don't have to travel over the next couple days.
SW: The storm is impacting most of the state in various ways. Does the state have enough resources, including personnel and equipment to mobilize simultaneously?
JB: Absolutely. This is definitely a statewide event. We've got snow from Buffalo all the way to Albany. And then we'll have sleet, freezing rain, and rain into the Hudson Valley down to New York City. This thing is throwing everything it's got at us, but we are absolutely prepared. We've been preparing for the last couple days. We've are moving assets and resources around the state. We're moving equipment up from Long Island to pre-position them in Central New York, in the Mohawk Valley, in the Southern Tier to be ready. We've opened our stockpiles to make sure there is sufficient access to generators, chain saws, or any of the supplies our response crews or county response crews may need. I can assure New Yorkers that we're ready, and do have sufficient resources to cover the state.
SW: How else is the state preparing, say for any number of emergency situations that localities and residents may face?
JB: Our team over the last few days has been in touch with every county emergency manager that expects to see hazardous impacts from this storm. We've talked about what they need, what their towns need to be able to respond. If any of them have requests, we will move resources to where they are needed. One thing that Governor Hochul prioritizes is cooperation and coordination, and we are putting that to work for this storm.
For individuals, we're New Yorkers. We know how to get through winter storm. But there's a couple things to keep in mind. First, check your weather; make sure you know what to expect when you go outside as this storm changes. Number two: Take it slow on the roads. If you don't have to travel, don't. If you can give yourself extra time, leave early. If you see plows on the road, that is a big piece of heavy equipment. Give it room. Don't pass or crowd the plow. Number three: If you see downed powerlines, assume they're live. Back away and avoid them. Number four: Check your neighbors, particularly vulnerable neighbors. One of the ways we get through things is to get do it together. Check in if you can and lend a hand.
