Multi-Hazard Weather Event
Governor Hochul has issued a weather warning Press Release urging New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rains, very strong winds, and possible flash flooding today through Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
This storm system will likely cause flooding and power outages throughout the state beginning Tuesday and lasting through Wednesday. The weather event may begin with snow in many areas, but quickly transition to rain, except at higher elevations.
Rain will be widespread, with 2 to 4 inches expected and snow melt and flooding will result south of the Capital region. Portions of the Hudson Valley are at higher risk of flooding due to recent snow accumulations. The New York City area may receive up to 3 inches of rainfall. The North Country may experience only snow with this system, and up to a foot is possible, especially at higher elevations.
The risk of power outages is high as wind gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected across New York City, Long Island, Western New York, Central New York, and the North Country. Gusts up to 70mph are possible along the shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario.
New Yorkers are encouraged to begin preparing for impacts now, check that their loved ones are prepared, and closely monitor their local forecasts throughout the duration of the event.
For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website. Understand weather terms to assess the risk in your area:
A flood watch indicates that conditions exist for flooding to occur; it is a notification to be prepared.
A flood warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening; it is a notification to take action, including evacuation.
Department of Health Advisory
The Department of Health (DOH/the Department) has issued a health care advisory for this storm. Several key points relevant to home care in particular are listed below, but see the full advisory on HCP’s Emergency Management website for complete details. The advisory also includes the Roster of Contact Information for New York State DOH Divisions.
- Review emergency plans and confirm 24/7 contact information for key staff in case urgent communication is needed.
- Ensure that adequate staffing will be available for the duration of the storm.
- Update business and emergency contact information in the Health Commerce System Communications Directory to ensure important alerts and notifications are received by the facility.
- The Health Electronic Response Data System (HERDS) – HERDS surveys may be conducted to capture important information regarding an organization’s status during an emergency.
- Request emergency assistance through the local Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and/or local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) if needed during and following the storm.
- Report disruption of services or infrastructure to the New York State Department of Health.
- Agencies must communicate with their most vulnerable patients before, during and after the storm to perform safety and health checks. Make sure staff know to utilize your organization’s emergency management plan for those refusing to evacuate.
General Precautions
Use extra caution when traveling, especially on snow covered surfaces and dangerous flooded roadways. Those in low-lying areas are urged to be prepared for delays in commuting and supply delivery.
The NYC Office of Emergency Management and the NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services offer the following safety tips:
- Keep your vehicle fueled.
- Know the safest route to higher ground.
- Keep protective supplies on hand (sandbags, etc.).
- Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation.
- If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
- If you live in a basement apartment in a flood-prone area, prepare to move to higher ground.
- Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.
- Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
Keep a close eye on the forecast and watch for alerts from the National Weather Service.
More Information
We encourage all providers and patients to sign up for NY Alert, the state’s Mass Notification System used to warn the public promptly of emergencies and provide other critical information. Notify NYC is another alert option for those in the five boroughs. Some notices are posted on the Notify NYC website, but by downloading the app, users can get location-specific information quickly.
Motorists can download the Thruway Authority mobile app to view live traffic cams and get navigation assistance. An interactive map is also available online and shows traffic conditions for the Thruway and other NYS roadways.
Visit the Department of Environmental Conservation website for more tips and information on NY State efforts regarding flooding.