New York.- The state of
New York joined those that have declared an emergency due to the major winter storm that will affect a large part of
United States this weekend and that is expected to cause power outages, falling trees, freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, ice, and a cold wave that will impact millions of people.
In New York, Governor
Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency today in anticipation of the storm’s arrival, thus increasing to at least 14 the number of states that have taken this step, allowing them to expedite the mobilization of resources and prepare for the storm.
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Also listed are
Kentucky, Alabama, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Kansas, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as Washington D.C.
“New Yorkers are accustomed to winter weather, but we must not take this weekend’s forecast lightly. I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure that local leaders have the tools they need to keep their communities safe,” Hochul said at a press conference.
The governor called on the public not to take risks and to take measures to prepare before the winter phenomenon arrives, which some experts say could be historic, and which could leave between 12 and 18 inches of snow in the city and other areas.
The storm has caused the cancellation of more than a thousand flights for Saturday and many people to go to stores to buy what is necessary to face the long and cold weekend, leaving many businesses with empty shelves, as shown by images that are already circulating on networks and media.
Snowfall of up to two inches or more per hour is expected in the most intense snow bands, which will reduce visibility on New York State roads.
“Pay attention to local forecasts, stock up on essential items such as food and medicine, make sure your car has gas, plan to stay home”, Hochul warned.
The National Security and State Services Division also issued an alert on X: “The extreme cold will affect the state tonight, with temperatures reaching -40 °F in some areas.”
Mamdani: “New York is ready for the storm”
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, from tomorrow, they have 2,000 sanitation workers in 12-hour shifts to spread salt on the streets “as soon as we see the first snowflake”.
Likewise, he indicated that, given the current blue code due to the freezing temperatures, efforts are being redoubled with the homeless to try to get them to stay in shelters, “so they don’t have to sleep in the open” with such low temperatures.
Regarding whether there will be school classes on Monday, Mamdani, who is facing his first critical management 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 affirmed.
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, protect the system,” he assured.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring state of
New Jersey, they are closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory and have asked residents to pay attention to updates.
The new governor of this state, Democrat Mikie Sherril, who was sworn into office on January 20, has urged residents to prepare and stay in their homes.
In Connecticut, its governor, Ned Lamont, activated this Friday the Severe Cold Weather Protocol, which will remain in effect until noon on Wednesday, due to a blast 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 elements for extended periods.
