Governor Cuomo Declares State of Emergency

The declaration is due to severe winter weather and salt shortages that have hampered responses.

“This is a significant winter storm impacting all regions of the state and we are taking all necessary steps to keep New Yorkers safe,” Cuomo said in a statement. “I have declared a state of emergency for all counties so that we can continue our effective and quick response in communities that have been hit the hardest. New Yorkers in affected regions should stay off the roads, check on their neighbors and loved ones, and stay inside their homes until the worst of the storm has passed.”

State resources are being mobilized to assist local governments and laws and regulations that normally would impede rapid response are suspended, according to the governor’s office. Additionally, all vehicle are banned from interstate highway I-84.

State stockpiles of road salt are being moved to localities that  have short supplies, including on Long Island. The Department of Transportation has waived federal restrictions on how many hours salt truck drivers may stay on the roads and the MTA has waived weight restrictions for salt trucks crosses bridges.