Winter storms and freezing temperatures hit the U.S.

A man wades through floodwaters trying to retrieve his truck along the Hudson River in Pyrmont, New York, on Dec. 23.
A man wades through flood waters trying to retrieve his truck along the Hudson River in Pyrmont, New York, on Dec. 23. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul warned residents of “epic, statewide danger” for winter weather this weekend.

“I call it a kitchen sink storm because it threw everything at us except the kitchen sink,” Hochul said at a news conference Friday afternoon. “We had ice, floods, snow, freezing this weekend. Temperature and everything Mother Nature can do to us.”

High winds and rain have been reported across the state, and officials are now preparing for heavy snow and record winds, the state’s transportation commissioner said at a news conference.

Hochul said there were more than 100,000 power outages statewide, including about 27,000 in Erie County and 15,000 in Monroe County.

“If you do lose power, it’s going to be cold,” said Jackie Bray, the state’s Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner. Bray told residents dealing with outages to seek out warming shelters that some counties offer.

“Please don’t assume you can go overnight without heat,” she said. “You probably can’t.”

Impact by Region: “We see unbelievably dangerous, dangerous, life-threatening winds, blinding snowstorms, strikes in real time west new york’,” Hochul said, explaining that the region was hit by both a national storm and a lake-effect storm.

Winds around the Buffalo Skyway were approaching 80 mph — higher than during the 1977 blizzard, she said.

part long island with New York City Hochul said coastal flooding of up to 3 feet has been seen and while more rain is expected in the area, the floodwaters have started to abate.

Bray said the main dangers to the city would be low temperatures, wind and icy conditions, with a quick freeze expected later today.

Hao Zhe said hudson valley, capital region, North with South Line There was rain, high winds, and snow in the latter two areas, but no major problems were reported.

Shipping Impact: Hochul said the lightning freeze has hit the western part of the state and is expected to affect the eastern part, leading to widespread travel restrictions.

“The roads are going to be like ice rinks, your tires can’t take it,” she said.

In some areas, such as Erie County, the ban on commercial vehicle driving has been extended to all roads, and certain roads have been enforced to close, Hochul said.

“We really want everyone to stay off the road,” Bray said. “Roads will be icy across the state. At least, until tomorrow, until any conditions abate.”

Some roads and rail lines that were closed due to flooding on Friday have reopened as the water receded, officials said. Bray urged travelers to take public transportation rather than drive, saying the weather should not further affect those transportation options.

Hochul said she doesn’t expect the New York City airport to close, though strong winds could change that.

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