Albany, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for 20 counties across New York, including several in the Catskills and the Hudson Valley, as a powerful winter storm threatens heavy snow, strong winds and dangerous travel from Sunday into Monday.
The declaration allows state agencies to mobilize resources and coordinate emergency response ahead of what forecasters say could bring near-blizzard conditions to parts of eastern and southeastern New York.
Counties under the emergency order include Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess and Orange in the Mid-Hudson region, where snowfall totals could exceed a foot in some higher elevations.
Hochul said the state has activated members of the New York National Guard and pre-positioned equipment, including snowplows and utility crews, to assist local governments.
“New Yorkers are no strangers to snow and cold weather, but these blizzard-like conditions approaching New York City, Long Island, and the lower Mid-Hudson will bring heavy snow and strong winds, with the storm forecasted to impact much of our state,” Hochul said. “As with every weather event, our state agencies are equipped with the resources they need to respond to the developing storm and keep everyone informed. I encourage everyone to take action, stay vigilant, and always monitor your local forecast for real-time updates.”
The National Weather Service warned that heavy snow combined with wind gusts over 35 mph could reduce visibility to near zero at times, particularly Sunday afternoon through early Monday.