{"id":82817,"date":"2020-12-24T18:34:22","date_gmt":"2020-12-24T23:34:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.owegopennysaver.com\/PS\/?p=82817"},"modified":"2020-12-24T18:54:16","modified_gmt":"2020-12-24T23:54:16","slug":"governor-cuomo-directs-state-agencies-to-deploy-flood-response-assets-as-storm-system-beings-impacting-new-york","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.owegopennysaver.com\/PS\/2020\/12\/24\/governor-cuomo-directs-state-agencies-to-deploy-flood-response-assets-as-storm-system-beings-impacting-new-york\/","title":{"rendered":"Governor Cuomo directs state agencies to deploy flood response assets as storm system beings impacting New York"},"content":{"rendered":"

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed state agencies to deploy additional flood and storm response assets as warm temperatures and a large storm system have begun impacting the state and may lead to localized urban and river flooding. Specifically, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has pre-deployed swift water rescue teams to strategic locations throughout the Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson and Capital Regions. Additionally, the Division has readied all 10 of the state’s regional stockpiles and are prepared to deploy resources ranging from pumps, sandbags and generators to cots, blankets and pillows. Other state agencies are also preparing boats and other watercraft for deployment in the event they are needed. New Yorkers are being reminded to closely follow local weather reports for the latest updates<\/span><\/p>\n

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“Rain and warm temperatures have already moved into much of the state, and with so much snow still on the ground, there is a very real chance some areas may see flooding on Christmas morning,” <\/span>Governor Cuomo said. <\/span>“Everything is being done to prepare for any potential impacts and the state stands ready to support any of our local partners who may need assistance. In the meantime, I urge everyone to celebrate smart and use caution if traveling over the next 48 hours.”<\/span><\/p>\n

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Currently, forecasters are calling for 2 to 3 inches of widespread rainfall across most of the state, with 3 to 6 inches of rain possible across the eastern Catskills where there is significant snowpack already on the ground. The heaviest periods of rain are expected during the overnight hours. Not only does this storm raise the level of concern in terms of flooding, but forecasters are also predicting that portions of the Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson and Capital Regions could see wind gusts of up to 50 mph during the overnight hours into Friday, with the potential for gusts of up to 65 mph in the New York City and Long Island Regions during the same time frame. This creates the potential for power outages due to downed tree limbs and other debris.<\/span><\/p>\n

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As most of the state faces the potential for heavy rainfall, lake effect snow has begun moving into the Western New York Region. Approximately 3 to 5 inches of snow are to be expected through Friday evening. Temperatures behind the system are expected to drop rapidly late Friday. New Yorkers traveling for the holidays should use extreme <\/span>caution as standing water could freeze of Friday night, increasing the chances of black ice and hazardous travel conditions. <\/span><\/p>\n

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The National Weather Service has continued to issue numerous Advisories, Watches, and Warnings for flooding, high winds and winter weather. For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service <\/span>website<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Agency Preparations<\/span><\/p>\n

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Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services<\/span><\/p>\n

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Emergency Operations Center remains activated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will closely monitor weather conditions, coordinate state response operations and remain in contact with localities throughout the duration of the event.  <\/span>State stockpiles <\/span>are prepared to deploy assets to localities to support any storm-related needs, including pumps, chainsaws, sandbags, generators, cots, blankets and bottled water.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control also remains in constant coordination with partner agencies and local governments. The Office has pre-deployed its Swift Water Rescue teams to strategic locations throughout the Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson and Capital Regions to provide additional rescue support if required.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Department of Transportation<\/span><\/p>\n

The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with 3,587 supervisors and operators available statewide.  The need for resource deployments (operators, equipment, mechanics, EOI’s, traffic signal technicians) will be continually reevaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event.  Drainage inlets, culverts and other drainage structures are being inspected and cleared of accumulated ice and snow. Flood and wind response tools (generators, pumps, chainsaws, light plants, hand tools, chippers, etc.) are being readied and loaded into response trucks for immediate dispatch, while plow trucks are being dressed for plowing and salting operations.<\/span><\/p>\n

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All available flood\/wind\/snow and ice response equipment is ready to deploy.  Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n