Cold & wind from arctic blast affecting much of New York

Dangerously low temperatures expected to continue through next Friday

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul, on Friday, updated New Yorkers on weather conditions impacting counties throughout the state this weekend, and urged them to prepare for colder temperatures next week.

Lake-effect snow is expected to continue in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the Mohawk Valley and the North Country through Sunday evening. Strong winds up to 35 miles per hour on Saturday are anticipated statewide, with gusts reaching up to 45 miles per hour in areas of higher elevation. Total accumulations from the long-duration storm that began on Wednesday could reach up to 4 feet in some locations east of Lake Ontario by Sunday evening.

“While we continue to respond to lake-effect snow across the state, an arctic blast is expected to bring dangerously colder temperatures starting this weekend and continuing through next Friday,” Hochul said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to monitor their local forecasts and take precautions to protect themselves against the cold: Wear layers, limit outdoor work and stay hydrated.”

Due to arctic air, temperatures are expected to dip throughout the weekend and continue to remain low through next Friday across much of New York. Minimum wind chills will result in “feels-like” temperatures ranging from the single digits across much of the state, not including New York City, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley, to negative-20-degrees-below-zero in the coldest parts of the North Country.

Winter storm warnings, winter weather advisories, lake-effect snow warnings and wind advisories remain in effect for several parts of the state. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to “NY-Alert” at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to a cell phone or computer.

Home Energy Assistance Program

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide up to $996 in heating assistance to eligible households. HEAP benefits are also available to eligible homeowners and renters depending on their income levels, household size and how they heat their homes. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $6,390 – or an annual gross income of $76,681 – and still qualify for benefits.

Eligible households can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season, and could also be eligible for up to two emergency HEAP benefits if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. New Yorkers can apply at ny.gov/heat. Applications for assistance are also accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted through the mail or in person.

Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871. Residents can apply for emergency HEAP benefits by contacting their local HEAP contact.

Code Blue

Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equals 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.

The New York State Department of Health advises New Yorkers to prevent serious injury and dangerous health complications that can result from colder weather and winter activities. Cold weather tips from the Department of Health can be found here; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia can be found here; information on carbon monoxide poisoning can be found here; information on the proper use of generators can be found here; safe winter driving tips can be found here.

The New York State Department of Labor advises workers and employers to engage in extreme cold weather best practices such as:

√ Limit outdoor work, provide frequent breaks in warm areas, and schedule outdoor work during the warmest times of the day.

√ Ensure access to clean drinking water.

√ Stay hydrated with warm beverages, and avoid drinking caffeine.

√ Wear proper PPE, including at least three layers of clothing, gloves or mittens, thick socks, insulated footwear and a hat, hood or hard hat liner.

More Information on best practices for working in cold weather can be found here.