State of Emergency Declared for 20 NY Counties, Gov. Hochul Activates National Guard

Albany, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for 20 counties across New York, including several in the Catskills and the Hudson Valley, as a powerful winter storm threatens heavy snow, strong winds and dangerous travel from Sunday into Monday.

The declaration allows state agencies to mobilize resources and coordinate emergency response ahead of what forecasters say could bring near-blizzard conditions to parts of eastern and southeastern New York.

Counties under the emergency order include Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess and Orange in the Mid-Hudson region, where snowfall totals could exceed a foot in some higher elevations.

Hochul said the state has activated members of the New York National Guard and pre-positioned equipment, including snowplows and utility crews, to assist local governments.

“New Yorkers are no strangers to snow and cold weather, but these blizzard-like conditions approaching New York City, Long Island, and the lower Mid-Hudson will bring heavy snow and strong winds, with the storm forecasted to impact much of our state,” Hochul said. “As with every weather event, our state agencies are equipped with the resources they need to respond to the developing storm and keep everyone informed. I encourage everyone to take action, stay vigilant, and always monitor your local forecast for real-time updates.”

The National Weather Service warned that heavy snow combined with wind gusts over 35 mph could reduce visibility to near zero at times, particularly Sunday afternoon through early Monday.

State officials are urging residents to stay home throughout the duration of the storm. All empty commercial vehicles and tandem tractor-trailers will be banned from I-84 and all roads south of I-84, including Thruway system roads, beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22. All other commercial vehicles will be restricted to the right lane on those roadways in Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties.

Transit services will be modified on Monday. Long Island Rail Road plans to operate on a Sunday schedule with modifications based on weather conditions. Metro-North Railroad will run hourly service on the Harlem, Hudson and New Haven lines and weekend service on the Connecticut and Wassaic branches.

Subway service changes and delays are expected overnight Sunday into Monday, as express tracks will be used to store trains underground during heavy snowfall.

Residents can register for real-time weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.