Much of the Northeast is bracing for a winter storm this weekend. In New York, the snow is expected to start falling around sunset Saturday. Officials are getting ready.
The weekend storm could bring anywhere from 8 to 20 inches and grind travel to a halt. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has activated 300 National Guard members. "The problem with this situation is the magnitude of the geographic area. Roughly, it will be less in downstate New York, but less is still problematic in downstate New York."
Winter storm warnings have been issued from Saturday afternoon through Sunday for much of the listening area.
Albany Department of General Services Commissioner Sergio Panunzio says the city has been dealing with conflicting reports about when severe weather will hit and how much snow is likely to fall. "Our concern is the amount of snow and how fast it's gonna come down. We're hearing up to 15 to 18 inches."
Albany is ready to deploy crews. Mayor Kathy Sheehan warns against unnecessary travel. "Do not expect us to be able to necessarily assist you quickly if you end up in a ditch or sliding off the road. When we've had heavy snowfall amounts before we've had people actually end up blocking our side streets, making it impossible for our plows to get down them because they went out notwithstanding the fact that it was really against their better judgement to have left, so please be mindful of that. "
Sheehan says there are several events happening Saturday in downtown Albany. "So we would just encourage people to keep an eye on the weather, keep an eye on the forecast. It appears that the heaviest of the snow is going to come very late or in the early morning hours of Sunday, so if you are traveling to Albany for the Mayor's Cup, for the event at the Palace, for the Wine and Dining for the arts, please be aware of what the conditions are like and make a decision before you travel into the city as to whether or not those conditions are conducive to that. We are going to make sure that we have resources in downtown to keep the streets clear, but again, this is a very unpredictable storm."
In Schuylerville, in Saratoga County, the impending storm has caused the postponement of Sunday’s Winterfest.
Like everyone else, National Grid's Patrick Stella worries about the amounts of snow... "If you're a natural gas customer try to make sure that the meter, which is oftentimes located outside the house, outside the building, is not covered by snow because that will block the vent and it could force carbon monoxide into the home instead of venting it out into the outside where we're trying to get it. So to make sure that the snow doesn't block that. And the other thing is from the electric side, it's called the weatherhead, where the electric comes into your home and it connects from the pole to your house. A lot of times when there's a lot of snow people are trying to get snow off their roof or remove snow and things like that. We caution people to be careful that they don't go near that connection because it is live and we certainly don't want to touch that with a ladder or something metal."
Electric Safety
- If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.
Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed lines should be immediately reported to National Grid
Gas Safety
- The buildup of ice and snow around or over natural gas meters, regulators and pipes can pose a serious safety risk. Ice and snow falling from a roof can damage gas meters or service connections to customers’ homes or businesses, resulting in potential gas leaks. Customers should take immediate action if a natural gas leak is suspected:
- Get Out - All occupants should leave the house immediately. Do not use the telephone, light switches or automatic garage door openers for any reason.
- Call Us – After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call National Grid’s 24-hour gas emergency number: 1-800-892-2345.
- Stay Out - Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe.
- Cleared snow should never be piled around vents. A blocked vent can lead to the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide.
- The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu, and can include headaches, weakness, confusion, chest tightness, skin redness, dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, heart fluttering or loss of muscle control. If you suspect carbon monoxide is present in your home, immediately go outside and breathe deeply; then call 911.
When clearing snow, customers and snow removal contractors should be aware of the location of natural gas equipment to avoid coming in contact with meters, hitting outside gas risers, or piling snow around vents mounted on the outside of buildings.
