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Governor declares state of emergency as winter storm targets Long Island

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Winter isn’t just knocking this weekend — it’s about to kick the door down.

The powerful snowstorm set to slam Long Island and the Northeast over the weekend has prompted Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency.

The governor’s emergency declaration on Friday gives state agencies authority to coordinate with local governments and accelerate deliveries of critical supplies, such as salt and snow removal equipment, ahead of the storm.

It also allows the State Department of Transportation and other agencies to shift resources where they are needed most as snow and ice spread across the region.


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Hochul urged residents to take the approaching storm seriously as frigid air tightens its grip on the state.

“This is a very dangerous combination of heavy snow and extreme, extreme cold temperatures,” Hochul said.

“Extreme cold poses a huge risk — it is crucial that New Yorkers take steps to prepare ahead of time to make sure they can stay safe.”

The latest forecasts show the storm will begin impacting Long Island early Sunday, with snow continuing through Monday and creating hazardous travel conditions across the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Nassau and Suffolk counties from early Sunday through Monday afternoon. Six to 15 inches of snow accumulation is possible across Long Island, with higher totals occurring inland depending on the storm’s track, according to forecasts.

Meteorologists said snow may mix with sleet or freezing rain near the coast, which could lower totals in some areas while still producing slick roads.

In addition to snow, an Arctic cold blast is expected to intensify through the weekend, pushing temperatures sharply lower and bringing dangerously cold wind chills for several consecutive days.

Stay prepared

Snowy scene from 2021 storm (Credit: Mike White)

State officials are urging residents to prepare now while conditions remain manageable.

Recommended precautions include monitoring weather updates, signing up for emergency alerts, gathering necessary supplies, checking on vulnerable neighbors and avoiding unnecessary travel once the storm kicks in.

Top: GLI file photo (taken by Mike White)

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