{"id":108860,"date":"2026-01-25T09:17:35","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T14:17:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.owegopennysaver.com\/PS\/?p=108860"},"modified":"2026-01-26T09:17:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T14:17:13","slug":"new-yorkers-urged-to-remain-inside-and-to-avoid-travel-throughout-duration-of-storm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.owegopennysaver.com\/PS\/2026\/01\/25\/new-yorkers-urged-to-remain-inside-and-to-avoid-travel-throughout-duration-of-storm\/","title":{"rendered":"New Yorkers Urged to Remain Inside and to Avoid Travel Throughout Duration of Storm"},"content":{"rendered":"

Governor Kathy Hochul has updated New Yorkers on state preparations ahead of a massive winter storm system that has already brought bitterly cold temperatures to the entire state and is expected to bring at least a foot of snow to the majority of the state. <\/span><\/p>\n

Following the Governor\u2019s declaration of a State of Emergency and activation of 100 members of the New York National Guard on Friday, new travel restrictions for commercial vehicles are being implemented. Beginning at 12 a.m. Sunday, all commercial vehicles will be restricted to only traveling in the right travel lane on all state roads, including the New York State Thruway. Additionally, a travel ban for Long Combination Tandem Vehicles will be in place on the New York State Thruway beginning at 6 a.m. on Sunday. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNew Yorkers know how to handle winter, but it\u2019s critical everyone treat this weather like the dangerous situation it is,\u201d <\/span>Governor Hochul said.<\/span> \u201cFrom bitterly cold temperatures to heavy snowfall that will create treacherous travel conditions, there is no shortage of risks to being outside or traveling during the next few days, so I am urging everyone to be smart and stay home, stay warm, and stay safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The storm is expected to begin impacting the southernmost portions of the state in the early morning hours and then progressively move north to cover the entire state by late morning and early afternoon hours. It is expected to continue until Monday afternoon, with everywhere north of New York City expected to see between 12 and 18 inches of snow, except for Western New York and the northernmost portions of the North Country which may only see 8 to 12 inches of snow. <\/span><\/p>\n

Beginning Sunday evening, there is a chance that snow may transition into sleet in New York City and on Long Island which has slightly decreased the projected snow totals in those areas to the 8-to-12-inch range. Peak wind gusts could reach 35+miles per hour in these downstate areas as well, which will increase the potential for some blowing snow and whiteout conditions, adding to the already treacherous travel conditions expected throughout the duration of the storm. <\/span><\/p>\n

To support Downstate response operations and local partners, Governor Hochul activated 100 service members of the New York National Guard with 24 vehicles on Friday. Beginning Saturday, they will be staged and ready to help local partners across New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, as part of the State of Emergency declared by the Governor on Friday, early voting for Feb. 3 special elections in New York City will be suspended on Sunday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 26. The State is working with the New York City Board of Elections to extend hours through the remainder of the early voting period to account for the suspended hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to preparing for snow and wind, New Yorkers should also prepare to protect against the dangers that can result from colder weather and winter activities. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equal less than 32 degrees. Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended. New Yorkers also should check out these <\/span>cold weather tips from the Department of Health<\/span><\/a>; <\/span>additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia<\/span><\/a>; <\/span>information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning<\/span><\/a>; <\/span>information on the proper use of generators<\/span><\/a>; and <\/span>safe winter driving tips<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

The New York State Department of Labor advises workers and employers to engage in extreme cold weather best practices such as:<\/span><\/p>\n