Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare Emergency Response Assets as Tropical Storm Nicole Moves North this Weekend

Remnants of Nicole Are Expected To Begin Impacting the State Friday Night and Continue Through Saturday

2-3 Inches of Rain Expected in Central New York, Finger Lakes, Western New York and North Country Regions with Minor Flooding Possible in Flood-Prone Areas

New Yorkers Urged To Monitor Local Weather Forecasts and Pay Attention to National Weather Service Alerts

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Governor Kathy Hochul today directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets as the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole are expected to impact New York as early as Friday evening, bringing the potential for heavy rain and flooding. The largest rainfall totals of two to three inches, with some localized higher totals, are expected in the Central New York, Finger Lakes and Western New York regions, as well as areas in the Tug Hill plateau in the North Country region. Minor flooding in flood-prone areas is likely and maximum wind gusts up to 40 mph are possible, with higher windspeeds expected downstate. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to closely monitor local forecasts over the next few days for weather conditions, and to follow any potential emergency orders issued before or during extreme weather events. New York State agencies and authorities have already engaged local government partners throughout the state and stand at the ready to respond, as needed.

"Starting Friday night, a late-season weather system has the potential to dump three inches or more of rain in some locations, and I urge all New Yorkers to prepare in the event of a flooding situation," Governor Hochul said. "If you are planning to travel Friday and Saturday, please use caution and check local weather conditions before heading out."

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Nicole is moving north and there is the potential for heavy rains and wind gusts over the next few days in parts of the state. Governor Hochul and I are asking New Yorkers to prepare in advance, pay attention to local forecasts, make a plan if your area will be affected, and remember to check on your vulnerable neighbors and loved ones this weekend."

State Agency Preparations

Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with more than 3,280 supervisors and operators. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond. Staff can be configured into any type of response crews that are needed (flood response, chipper, load & haul, sewer jet, cut & toss, traffic signal, etc.). In preparation, crews are checking and clearing drainage structures to make sure they are free of debris and clogs. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is closely monitoring the weather for the upcoming storm and has 651 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state. There are excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, generators, pumps and equipment hauling trailers as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for deployment for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the 570-mile Thruway.

Statewide available equipment numbers are as follows:

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

Follow @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather. All available assets, including swift water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings, and closings.

Department of Public Service

New York's utilities have approximately 7,125 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this event. This includes an additional 1,500 workers secured by Con Edison and Orange & Rockland and an additional 125 workers secured by National Grid's upstate division. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

New York State Police

State Police are prepared to deploy additional Troopers, as needed, to affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response. All Troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues and remove any downed trees that may fall across tracks.

During periods of peak winds, MTA Bridges and Tunnels anticipates implementing a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks. Pedestrian walkways on bridges may also be closed due to the forecasted high winds.

Customers are encouraged to check new.mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA's apps: MYmta and TrainTime.

Port Authority

The Port Authority is monitoring weather conditions. Speed restrictions may be in effect at the bridges, as well as along roadways to and from the crossings. Passengers through the Port Authority's facilities are encouraged to reach out to carriers and airlines directly for the latest information on delays and cancelations. For the latest information about Port Authority facilities, please check social media, sign up for PA alerts or download one of the PA mobile apps, including RidePATH which provides real-time updates and alerts for PATH service.

Safety Tips

For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Safety Tips web page at https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety-and-prevention.