Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Major Winter Storm, Extreme Cold Across New York | How to Prepare

NYC & Long Island Winter Storm Watch: What to Expect, How to Prepare, Who to Call/Text

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a State of Emergency for New York on Friday ahead of a massive winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and dangerously cold temperatures statewide through Monday.

“This is a very dangerous combination of heavy snow and extreme cold temperatures,” Hochul said, warning that extreme cold could linger into next week.

“The Most Dangerous Cold We’ve Seen in Years”

Hochul delivered what she called “the bad news,” saying temperatures are expected to plunge Saturday night.

“This is the most dangerous cold we’ve seen in years,” she said.

Parts of northern New York could experience wind chills of minus 40 to minus 50 degrees, while much of the rest of the state will feel below zero.

Extreme cold conditions and heavy snow expected for New York state this weekend as Gov. Hochul declares State of Emergency jan. 23, 2026. Photo by Codrin Rusu

What This Means for New York City and Long Island

For downstate residents, Hochul said the cold will feel unfamiliar — and dangerous.

“It will feel like minus 10 degrees in New York City and Long Island — that is not something that part of our state is accustomed to,” she said.

Her top concern: frostbite and hypothermia.

“Frostbite can literally set in within five minutes of exposure,” Hochul said, adding that hypothermia is also a serious risk.

She urged New Yorkers to watch for symptoms of hypothermia in themselves and others, including:

  • Poor coordination
  • Slurred speech
  • Extreme exhaustion
  • Persistent shivering

“These are signs of a serious health event,” she said.

Snowfall Forecast: 12–18 Inches Possible

In addition to the cold, Hochul said snow totals are expected to be higher than initially forecast.

“We’re now calling for 12 to 18 inches across Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley,” she said.

Hochul warned that even a foot of snow can be “paralyzing in a dense area like New York City,” which has not seen totals like this in years.

National Weather Service Total Snow Accumulation forecast for NYC/Long Island area.

Winds and Power Outlook

The good news: the storm is not expected to bring widespread high winds.

“We don’t expect high volumes of wind throughout the state,” Hochul said, reducing the risk of whiteout conditions.

That said, there could be gusts and snow squalls with winds of 35 to 45 mph.

The storm is also not expected to be a major ice event, meaning power infrastructure should be in better shape.

“This should put us in a good place with respect to power lines,” Hochul said, noting the snow is expected to be light and fluffy, falling at a rate of one to two inches per hour.

Still, she emphasized, “I’m preparing for worst-case scenarios in New York.”

Governor Hochul’s Tips to Weather the Storm

Hochul urged New Yorkers to be prepared — not complacent.

Hazardous conditions in the NYC metro, Long Island areas as State of Emergency is in effect in New York this weekend, Jan 23-25, 2026. Photo by Barbara Gruen

Travel & Vehicles

  • Avoid travel during the storm whenever possible
  • Fill up gas tanks in advance
  • Keep food, water, blankets, a flashlight, and extra clothing in your vehicle
  • Pre-charge cell phones in case you’re stranded
  • Keep a small shovel and a bag of kitty litter in your car to help with traction if you slide off the road
New Yorkers are encouraged to bundle up with several layers if they must go outside during winter storm watch. Photo by Andre Furtado

Cold Weather Safety

  • Bundle up in multiple layers and keep skin covered and dry
  • Frostbite can occur in minutes — limit time outdoors
  • Watch for signs of hypothermia
  • Take frequent breaks and hydrate when shoveling
  • Push snow rather than lifting to reduce heart attack risk
Take care when shoveling snow. Push along the snow shovel vs. lifting it. Take breaks, hydrate. Photo by Jack Sparrow

Home & Power Outages

  • Stock up on food, water, baby supplies, pet food, and prescriptions
  • If power goes out, gather family and pets in the smallest room
  • Use towels to block drafts under doors
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks to prevent frozen pipes
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Never use generators or camp stoves indoors
  • Use window insulation kits or plastic sheeting to help retain heat

Community & Pets

  • Check on elderly neighbors
  • Keep pets indoors and protected from the cold
Check on pets during a winter storm emergency and keep them near you. Photo by Jan Friedberg

Storm Preparedness and Emergency Resources

Hochul said the state is prepared with equipment, crews, and more than 114,000 tons of salt.

Motorists are advised to stay off the roads and not leave cars on the roads as plows will continue to clear the storm. Photo courtesy of Steve Rivers

Emergency Alerts

New Yorkers can receive real-time emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Travel Conditions

Motorists can check real-time travel conditions by calling 511 or visiting New York State’s official traffic site at 511NY.org.

Weather Forecasts

Monitor local forecasts via the National Weather Service.

Power Outage Reporting

Long Island — PSEG Long Island

  • Text OUT to 773454
  • Visit psegliny.com/outages
  • Call 800-490-0075 (24-hour electric service)

New York City — Con Edison

  • Report outages via the Con Edison mobile app
  • Call 1-800-75-CONED