Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare as Bitter Cold Stretch Continues

By Y.M. Lowy

Governor Kathy Hochul is warning New Yorkers to stay prepared as a prolonged stretch of bitter cold continues across the state, with below-normal temperatures and strong winds expected to keep feels-like temperatures below zero through the weekend.

The ongoing cold raises the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone spending extended time outdoors without proper protection. 

“This winter has been brutal, but we must keep ourselves prepared in order to stay safe,” Hochul said, urging residents to dress in layers and travel with basic emergency supplies such as blankets, extra clothing, food, and water.

In New York City, officials plan to deploy 10 buses as overnight warming shelters from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through the weekend. The buses will be spread across the five boroughs, including two in Brooklyn. Additional warming centers are also open, and under Code Blue rules, local districts must ensure shelter access for people experiencing homelessness when temperatures and wind chill drop below 32 degrees.

The state says snow and ice response equipment is also on standby, including more than 1,600 large plow trucks, along with loaders, tow plows, and snow blowers ready for deployment as needed. Officials continue to remind residents to use heaters and generators safely and to take extra care when traveling in winter conditions.