Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today declared a state of emergency in thirteen New York counties as an early-season winter storm brought heavy snow, ice, and rain in parts of the state.

“With serious snowfall and wind sweeping through parts of New York, the state of emergency declaration will help deploy state resources to communities that have been hit the hardest by this storm,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are communicating with local governments to coordinate our response efforts and we will mobilize resources as needed to areas experiencing the most severe conditions. I urge New Yorkers to have safety as their top priority and avoid driving on icy roads or during heavy snowfall.”

A state of emergency enables New York to use state resources to assist local governments more effectively and quickly, and gives the Governor the authority to suspend statutes, rules and regulations that would impede response and recovery activities. The declaration further gives the Governor the ability to direct state resources, such as Department of Transportation equipment and personnel, to local governments in need. The declaration applies to Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Delaware, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Richmond, Rensselaer, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties, and contiguous areas.

New Yorkers in affected regions should prepare for the possibility of extended power outages due to the combination of wet snow and leaves on trees causing branches to fall on power lines. The State Public Service Commission (PSC) is working to ensure utilities respond aggressively to get power back on as soon as possible should outages occur. PSC has worked with multiple utility companies, who have identified and made available 341 line, tree, and forestry crews and contractors.

(YWN Desk – NYC)