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New York state has joined those that have declared a state of emergency due to the massive winter storm that will affect a large part of the United States this weekend and is expected to cause power outages, downed trees, freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, ice, and a cold wave that will impact millions of people.
ESTADOS DE EU EN ALERTA POR SEVERA TORMENTA INVERNAL
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency today ahead of the storm's arrival, bringing to at least 14 the number of states that have taken this step, which allows them to streamline resource mobilization and prepare for the storm.
Also included are:
- Kentucky
- Alabama
- Missouri
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Texas
- Carolina del Norte
- Carolina del Sur
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
"New Yorkers are accustomed to winter weather, but we should not take the forecast for this weekend lightly. I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure that local leaders have the tools necessary to keep their communities safe," Hochul stated in a press conference.
The governor called on the public not to take risks and to take measures to prepare before the arrival of the winter phenomenon, which some experts claim could be historic, and which could leave between 12 and 18 inches of snow in the city and other areas.
The storm has caused cancellations of more than a thousand flights for Saturday and prompted many people to flock to stores to buy what is necessary to face the long and cold weekend, leaving many businesses with empty shelves, as shown in images already circulating on social media and in the media.
Snowfall of up to two inches or more per hour is expected in the heaviest snow bands, which will reduce visibility on roads in New York State.
"Pay attention to local forecasts, stock up on essential items such as food and medicine, make sure your car has gas, and plan to stay home," advised Hochul.
The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services also issued an alert on X: "Extreme cold will affect the state tonight, with temperatures reaching -40 °F in some areas."
Mamdani: "Nueva York está lista para el temporal"
The city's mayor, Zohran Mamdani, later assured in another press conference that the Big Apple "is ready" to face the inclement weather.
He assured that, starting tomorrow, they have 2,000 sanitation workers on 12-hour shifts to salt the streets "as soon as we see the first snowflake."
Likewise, he indicated that, given the code blue in effect due to the freezing temperatures, efforts are being redoubled with the homeless to try to get them into shelters, "so they don't have to sleep outside" in such low temperatures.
Regarding whether there will be school classes on Monday, Mamdani, who is facing his first critical management challenge as mayor, said he will make that decision on Sunday.
"We will be prepared. If something escalates, the city will also escalate its strategy," he stated.
The subway, the city's largest transportation system, will be fully operational, according to its director, Janno Lieber.
"We have detailed plans for storms like this to protect our network, protect passengers, and protect the system," he assured.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring state of New Jersey, they are closely monitoring the storm's path and have asked residents to stay tuned for updates.
The state's new governor, Democrat Mikie Sherrill, who was sworn in on January 20, has urged residents to prepare and stay in their homes.
In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont activated the Severe Cold Weather Protocol this Friday, which will remain in effect until noon Wednesday, due to a gust of extremely cold air that will affect the state during this period.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the intense cold, which can be deadly if exposed to the outdoors for extended periods.
[Publicidad]