New York’s governor has issued a plea to people traveling for Thanksgiving to use extra caution on the roads.
Governor Kathy Hochul raised concerns about holiday travel this weekend as New York is set to be hit with a dangerous winter storm, which is expected to bring snow and freezing rain as well as major road closures.
In a statement, Hochul told state residents: “As we come together this Thanksgiving, I urge all New Yorkers to stay alert, monitor local forecasts, and exercise caution as they travel to be with family and friends this holiday weekend as we experience winter weather across the State.”
She continued: “If you are traveling, please plan ahead, and prioritize your safety and the safety of others to ensure we can all spend this holiday with our loved ones—safely and warmly.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is urging New Yorkers to be cautious on the roads over the Thanksgiving weekend. A winter storm is expected to bring snow and freezing rain as well as major road closures.
Anthony Behar/Sipa via AP Images
Hochul also reassured New Yorkers that the National Guard is on standby to help with snow removal and will assist utility crews if needed.
The areas where Hochul is urging extra caution are predominantly in Central and Western New York, as well as upstate areas that border Lakes Ontario and Erie, such as Buffalo, Jamestown and Watertown.
Hochul raised these concerns because “the leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents.”
She urged drivers: “Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.”
The governor has deployed 1,630 large plow trucks, 336 large loaders, 145 medium-duty plows, 16 pickups with plows, 51 tow plows, 35 snowblowers and 18 graders in the areas that are expected to become hazardous.
Over the holiday, 5,550 public utilities workers are working to ensure that people can get home safely. They will “engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State, as necessary,” the statement from the governor’s office said.
Motorists maneuver around a disabled vehicle on Route 9 in Albany, New York, on December 29, 2015. The governor’s office is offering drivers detailed advice for traveling during wintry conditions this weekend.
Mike Groll/Associated Press
The governor’s office has also provided residents with critical travel advice if they decide to drive in dangerous conditions.
“If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag,” the statement said.
It went on: “Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions.”
Drivers were also reminded that they “should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted.”
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