Western New York, Finger Lakes, the Southern Tier and Central New York Will Continue to See Heavy Rain, High Winds, Some Hail, and the Possibility of Isolated Tornadoes

State Agencies Have Prepared Emergency Assets at Governor Hochul's Direction

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers throughout Upstate New York to prepare for severe thunderstorms and high winds beginning late Sunday afternoon and into Monday. In addition to the ongoing Heat Advisory, the National Weather Service has forecast the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Central New York Regions as having an enhanced risk of being impacted by these storms. Forecasts in these regions are calling for heavy rainfall, damaging winds, hail and the possibility of isolated tornados. Locally heavy downpours may also produce minor flooding in low lying areas, as well as those with poor drainage. 

 In response, Governor Hochul has directed state agencies to prepare emergency response resources and personnel to ensure localities have necessary support in the event of a hard impact. New Yorkers are being encouraged to closely follow their local forecasts, check on neighbors and stay safe throughout the duration of the storms 

"While a heat advisory remains in effect until late this afternoon with heat values up to 97 degrees, strong thunderstorms are forecast to move across the State later today and tonight bringing much needed relief to New Yorkers who have battled high heat for the last several days," Governor Hochul said. "I have directed State agencies to prepare emergency response assets should our county partners need assistance. In the meantime, I ask New Yorkers to monitor these strong storms and prepare now in the event of a power outage." 

The storms will move from west to east throughout the afternoon and evening ahead of a cold front bringing relief from the stifling heat and humidity. On Monday, New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley will be at a slight risk of severe weather. Showers will diminish from west to east on Monday, and milder and drier weather is expected by Tuesday and Wednesday. 

For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.  

New York Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "The storms expected throughout much of Upstate have the potential to do real damage and New Yorkers should do all they can to prepare and stay safe. The State Emergency Operations Center is closely monitoring these storms and our teams are prepared to support our local partners however we can." 

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services 

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center is monitoring weather and travel conditions, and will coordinate response needs with local governments. The State's stockpiles are prepared to deploy assets to localities to support any storm-related needs, including pumps, chainsaws, sandbags, generators, cots, blankets, and bottled water. 

The Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and is prepared to respond with more than 3,200 supervisors and operators. 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.). Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:   

The Thruway Authority has 640 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized 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 any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway. 

During this heatwave, Thruway staff have been monitoring roadway conditions and performing wellness checks on disabled vehicles. 

Statewide 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 e-mails 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. 

New York Power Authority / Canal Corporation 

The New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation are monitoring conditions and preparing all assets for impeding weather. NYPA and Canals representatives will remain in close contact with state, county, and local emergency personnel as necessary. NYPA is prepared to send NYPA transmission and other personnel to assist if needed. The Canal Corporation will update the public as needed through its Notice to Mariners alerts. Members of the public may sign-up to receive these notices on the Canal Corporation website. 

Department of Public Service 

New York's utilities have approximately 6,400 workers available, as necessary, to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State, for the potential severe weather. 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. 

Severe Weather Safety Tips 

Have disaster supplies on hand, including: 

For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Safety Tips web page atwww.dhses.ny.gov/safety. 

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