WINTER STORM
First significant snowfall hits the area
Local communities are expected to be hit with a lot of snow beginning Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Tuesday. Heavy snow is expected, with total accumulations of 10 to 20 inches.
The National Weather Service says travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Snow should be heaviest Sunday afternoon and early evening, and again Monday afternoon through Monday night. Some sleet may mix in at times Sunday night.
Officials said if you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
“This storm system is expected to deliver a significant wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain across much of the state, potentially creating hazardous conditions on many roadways. We have prepositioned state personnel, and resources to assist as needed, and I am urging all New Yorkers who are returning from their Thanksgiving holiday on Sunday to travel with caution,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement Saturday night.
“This storm has the potential to cause significant problems as many New Yorkers return from the Thanksgiving holiday today and commute to work tomorrow,” added Cuomo in a statement Sunday afternoon. “Snow, black ice, rain and wind are a bad combination — but this isn’t our first rodeo and we pre-deployed significant state assets and personnel to prepare for the storm and maintain the roads. I am now placing National Guard
personnel on standby and activating our emergency command center to ensure we are able to respond quickly and effectively to this storm and help keep our people safe.”
Troy Mayor Patrick Madden issued an update on the winter storm Saturday night. Madden said the city’s Department of Public Works and Public Utilities crews are coordinating on snow preparation efforts.
The Collar City will deploy approximately 30 vehicles dedicated to snow plowing and cleanup to keep Troy’s roads and alleyways clear. Madden said a sufficient supply of road salt is available to treat streets ahead of the expected snowfall.
Sidewalks adjacent to properties in the city of Troy must be cleared of snow by 10 a.m. the day following the end of a snowstorm. Do not shovel snow into city streets – this can create a hazard and reduces the effectiveness of snow cleanup by city crews, according to city officials.
“Keeping roadways open and passable is essential during winter storm events, allowing residents and families to travel safely to their destinations and ensuring emergency vehicles and personnel can quickly respond to calls for assistance,” said Madden. “We ask residents to take appropriate precautions, limit travel when possible, and give our plow vehicles room to clear ice and snow from streets during the storm.”
As of Saturday night, snow emergency has not been declared in Troy. Snow emergencies are declared at the discretion of the mayor approximately eight hours before the measure goes into effect.
“Full cooperation from the public is critical to ensure our streets remain safe and clear during snowstorms and winter weather,” said Madden. “Everyone can do their part by familiarizing themselves with necessary rules and procedures to help city crews quickly and efficiently clear roadways during a declared snow emergency.”
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin said county crews are ready and prepared to respond to the storm.
“Our team has been monitoring the progress of the storm forecast to arrive in our area today. We have our team from the Highway Department ready to respond, and our emergency services team are prepared and have participated in a number of discussions with state and other emergency services providers,” said McLaughlin.
“We are asking motorists to be careful and avoid unnecessary travel, especially as there is accumulation from the storm,” McLaughlin added. “Snowplows can operate with greater ease and safety with less traffic on the roads. Motorists are also advised to be careful in upper elevations in the county.
“We are also asking residents to check in on seniors or anyone facing physical challenges and who may have greater difficulty due to the storm. Our county has been through many tough weather situations before, and residents have time and time again shown they are able to respond with common sense and concern for their neighbors.”
As of early Sunday afternoon, the city of Saratoga Springs has not declared a snow emergency.
“Each year the city is prepared for snow and this year no different. Some years winter begins earlier than later, but it is December 1st and we are ready for another safe season. I wish everyone a healthy happy holiday season,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly.
The city of Rensselaer declared that a snow emergency will be in effect beginning Sunday, Dec. 1, at 8 a.m. According to city officials, there will be no parking on the ODD side of the streets for a 24-hour period. The snow emergency will then switch sides on Monday, Dec. 2, at 8 a.m. and there will then be no parking on the EVEN side of the street for a 24-hour period.
The town of Brunswick announced declared a snow emergency starting at noon on Sunday until Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 9 a.m. Town officials are asking residents to park in their driveways and noted that there will be no parking in the streets.
In the town of Nassau, Town Supervisor David Fleming said there is no parking on any roadway in the town. Fleming noted that vehicles impeding snow removal will be towed at the owner’s expense. Residents should plan for treacherous road conditions and the possibility of power outages due to storm conditions. Nassau Highway has been preparing for the storm for several days. Plow beats take 3-4 hours so heavy snow buildup on roads is possible.
The town of Schodack also issued a snow emergency as of Sunday afternoon. On-street parking is prohibited until Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m.
Cohoes Mayor Christopher Briggs would like to advise residents that the city has made arrangements to have the “warming station” available when needed at the Cohoes Senior Center.
“By collaborating with community resources such as the Cohoes Senior Center, we seek to provide temporary shelter to the homeless and residents that are without heat, hot water and/or shelter during inclement weather,” said Briggs.
Anyone in need of assistance can go directly to the senior center in the Spindle City during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). For weekends, holidays and/or after hours,
Cohoes residents can call 911 or go to your nearest Fire or Police Department, and they will help assist in opening up the Cohoes Senior Center located at 10 Cayuga Plaza as a warming station to alleviate any potential health or safety hazards during inclement weather conditions.
The Watervliet Police Department said they are asking that residents who own any kind of trailer to ensure that it is moved off the city streets so that plowing operations can be completed. The police department is also asking residents to be mindful of any neighbors that may need assistance during the inclement weather.
“We would much rather go out ahead of time and ample notice and opportunity for people to correct the parking violation before we have to tow a trailer or other kinds of vehicles. Everyone’s compliance and assistance is greatly appreciated,” the Watervliet Police Department said in an online statement.
Officials in Watervliet said a snow emergency has been declared beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 and it will be in effect until 7 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5.
“When a snow emergency is declared, the city of Watervliet conducts a comprehensive snow removal process that requires residents to move their vehicles in order for plows to clean streets from curb to curb. Any vehicles that do not follow this process are subject to ticket and tow from the area. Police vehicles precede the plows and direct residents when to move their vehicles,” said Interim City General Manager Mark Spain.
As of Saturday night, The University at Albany announced that there will be no classes on Monday.
National Grid offers the following tips in preparation for potential severe weather:
Electricity & Generator Safety
• If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.
• Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed lines should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 911.
• Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.
• Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642-4272. (In a medical emergency, always dial 911.)
• Keep a number of working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm.
• Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power.
• Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.