ALBANY, NY (January 23, 2026) — Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Thursday ahead of extreme cold arriving Friday night and a large winter storm expected to impact much of New York from Sunday morning through Monday.
Extreme Cold Watches are in effect from 7 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday for the North Country, with feels-like temperatures as low as negative 50 degrees possible Friday night and negative 30 degrees Saturday night.
The storm could bring 12 to 18 inches of snow to New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, lower North Country and parts of Central New York. Western New York and the upper North Country are forecast to receive 6 to 12 inches.
“Winter in New York is nothing we can’t handle, but it is important to take the risks that come with extreme cold seriously,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers should avoid travel during the snow, especially with the danger that comes with being stranded in these cold temperatures. If you must travel, be sure to leave yourself extra travel time and pack your car with supplies like blankets, water, and snacks. Safety is always the top priority, so make sure you are ready to face this storm.”
Snowfall rates of up to two inches or more per hour are possible in the heaviest bands, which could reduce visibility on roadways. New Yorkers are urged to avoid travel during the snow due to dangerous driving conditions combined with extreme cold.
As part of the state of emergency, Hochul announced the suspension of early voting for February 3 New York City special elections on Sunday, January 25 and Monday, January 26. The state is working with the New York City Board of Elections to extend hours through the remainder of the early voting period.
All non-essential state employees were directed to telecommute on Monday where possible.
New Yorkers can sign up for weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
State agencies have been engaged in multi-day preparations. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is in contact with local counterparts, with state stockpiles ready to deploy assets and supplies. The State Watch Center is monitoring the storm.
The Department of Transportation has 3,692 supervisors and operators prepared, with 1,624 large plow trucks, 148 medium duty plows, 52 tow plows, 337 large loaders and 37 snow blowers ready. All residency locations will operate 24/7.
The Thruway Authority has 685 operators and supervisors available, with 345 large and medium duty plow trucks, 10 tow plows, 65 loaders and more than 114,000 tons of salt on hand.
The Department of Public Service is engaged with electric utilities, which have about 5,500 workers available statewide for response and restoration.
New York State Police will add extra patrols and stage specialized units. The Department of Environmental Conservation has staff on alert to coordinate resources.
A Code Blue is automatically in effect when temperature and wind chill are below 32 degrees, requiring local social services to ensure shelter access for those experiencing homelessness.
The New York State Department of Labor advises limiting outdoor work, providing breaks in warm areas, ensuring access to water, staying hydrated with warm beverages, avoiding caffeine and wearing proper layered clothing and PPE.
Hochul directed New Yorkers to monitor National Weather Service alerts, enable government emergency alerts on mobile phones and follow winter safety guidelines from state agencies.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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