Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Friday ahead of a storm expected to dump snow across the Long Island, New York City, and mid-Hudson regions starting Friday evening.
Snow was forecast to continue overnight, with some areas getting as much as a foot worth. An East Hampton Town alert issued Friday afternoon urged drivers to "use caution on roads overnight and give town highway crews time to clear roadways before traveling." At the time, four to eight inches were expected overnight in East Hampton.
Southampton Town declared a state of emergency, noting that "the snow may also be coupled with gusty winds during the day on Saturday," which could create poor visibility on the roads.
The governor's state of emergency covers "more than half of New York counties," including all of Long Island, New York City, and Westchester County, and notes that some downstate areas were expected to see snow falling at a rate of more than two inches an hour. She urged people to "avoid any unnecessary travel until later Saturday morning."
Those who must travel have been advised to be sure their vehicles are "packed with safety essentials." These include wool blankets, "a shovel, flashlights and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, a set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods," and a "brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag." Cellphone batteries should be kept charged.
