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The Capital Region is beginning to recover from the grip of one of the most significant winter storms in years, with some areas expected to receive up to two feet of snow before the tail end of the system moves out Monday.
The massive winter storm began Sunday and continued through the overnight hours, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency across New York. Schools throughout the region have closed, and multiple counties have declared their own states of emergency.
"Snow has begun falling across much of the state and we are anticipating the longest cold stretch and the highest snow totals that we've had in several years," Governor Hochul said in a statement. "New Yorkers should avoid any unnecessary travel allowing first responders and plow crews to do their jobs in keeping people safe and clearing our roads."
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy has also declared a state of emergency and closed county offices, with employees directed to telecommute where possible.
"Our DPW crews are working hard to keep the roads plowed and safe," said County Executive McCoy. "We have 30 large plow trucks out on our roads currently with other large pickups with plows and we need to keep people off of them in order to keep those roads clear."
The New York State Department of Transportation has deployed nearly 3,700 supervisors and operators with snowplows, snow blowers, and other equipment to clear roads. The Thruway Authority has implemented travel restrictions, requiring all commercial vehicles to travel exclusively in the right lane on all state roads, including the New York State Thruway.
All non-essential state employees have been directed to telecommute today where possible.
The storm is part of a larger weather system affecting much of the Northeast. Forecasters predict the snow will continue through Monday afternoon in parts of the Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, and North Country.
Officials urge residents to stay home if possible and to check on elderly neighbors. Those who lose power should contact their utility providers immediately.