As storm gets closer, governor issues state of emergency for NY
By Alex Crichton
January 23, 2026 at 12:30 PM EST
In anticipation of the massive winter storm on its way, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday issued a state of emergency for all of New York.
She said that will allow the state to coordinate more closely with local governments and speed up the process of deploying state resources into municipalities where they are needed.
Hochul also said thousands of utility workers are on standby if there are power outages.
“This will ensure that all of our local partners and agencies have the resources they need to keep New Yorkers safe and to get through this weather event,” she said.
In addition to heavy snowfall in some spots, it will be dangerously cold. Hochul said parts of the North Country will have wind chills as low as 40 to 50 below zero.
Around Rochester, there will be varying amounts of snow, and the bitter cold will be constant, with temperatures mainly in the single digits for much of the weekend.
Hochul said this is not a weather event to be taken lightly.
“Frostbite can set in literally within five minutes of exposure, as well as hypothermia,” she said.
Hochul is encouraging all New Yorkers to keep an eye on the forecasts, follow all travel advisories and warnings from local governments, and stock up on supplies for the weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued several alerts, including cold weather and winter weather advisories in effect until 10 a.m. Saturday and a winter storm warning in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday through 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Hochul said the frigid conditions will stick around well after the storm moves out.
“Anticipate another week of really cold temperatures, not as severe as this weekend, but we're not going to be out of this for a while, so hunker down, change your habits, try to minimize your time outside,” she said.
In a news conference Friday afternoon, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello urged residents to take precautions during this storm's duration.
The county’s Department of Human Services will be conducting outreach efforts to offer homeless individuals emergency housing. Anyone in need of shelter, or knows someone who is, is asked to call the 211 Life Line to get help.
With a "Code Blue" in effect across the state, the county said people in need can also request free transportation via RTS to a warming shelter in the city of Rochester at any bus stop. If the nearest participating shelter is not on that route, the bus will take them to the RTS transit center, where an employee will escort them to the bus that will take them to a shelter with available space.
Here is a list of Monroe County warming center sites:
She said that will allow the state to coordinate more closely with local governments and speed up the process of deploying state resources into municipalities where they are needed.
Hochul also said thousands of utility workers are on standby if there are power outages.
“This will ensure that all of our local partners and agencies have the resources they need to keep New Yorkers safe and to get through this weather event,” she said.
In addition to heavy snowfall in some spots, it will be dangerously cold. Hochul said parts of the North Country will have wind chills as low as 40 to 50 below zero.
Around Rochester, there will be varying amounts of snow, and the bitter cold will be constant, with temperatures mainly in the single digits for much of the weekend.
Hochul said this is not a weather event to be taken lightly.
“Frostbite can set in literally within five minutes of exposure, as well as hypothermia,” she said.
Hochul is encouraging all New Yorkers to keep an eye on the forecasts, follow all travel advisories and warnings from local governments, and stock up on supplies for the weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued several alerts, including cold weather and winter weather advisories in effect until 10 a.m. Saturday and a winter storm warning in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday through 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Hochul said the frigid conditions will stick around well after the storm moves out.
“Anticipate another week of really cold temperatures, not as severe as this weekend, but we're not going to be out of this for a while, so hunker down, change your habits, try to minimize your time outside,” she said.
In a news conference Friday afternoon, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello urged residents to take precautions during this storm's duration.
The county’s Department of Human Services will be conducting outreach efforts to offer homeless individuals emergency housing. Anyone in need of shelter, or knows someone who is, is asked to call the 211 Life Line to get help.
With a "Code Blue" in effect across the state, the county said people in need can also request free transportation via RTS to a warming shelter in the city of Rochester at any bus stop. If the nearest participating shelter is not on that route, the bus will take them to the RTS transit center, where an employee will escort them to the bus that will take them to a shelter with available space.
Here is a list of Monroe County warming center sites:
- Open Door Mission, 156 N. Plymouth Ave., Rochester; RTS Routes 15 and 21
- House of Mercy, 285 Ormond St., Rochester; RTS Route 3
- Saving Grace Ministries (men only), 1140 Norton St., Rochester; RTS Route 4, 5
- Oak Orchard, First Baptist Church, 124 Main St., Brockport; transportation available through RTS OnDemand
- Keep phones and devices charged
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from clothing, furniture and drapes.
- Bring pets inside.
- Check on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors.
- Cover up or stay inside to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
- Check the batteries in smoke and CO detectors, and make sure exterior vents are free of snow and ice.
- Keep an extra emergency kit in your car. In addition to the basic essentials, consider adding a portable cell phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction and jumper cables.
- Keep enough charge or fuel to ensure you can safely get to and from your intended destination.