Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on May 5 directed the National Guard to deploy personnel to Washington County to assist local emergency responders with tree and debris removal.
Storms accompanied by strong, gusty winds of 40 to 60 mph knocked, out power to over 100,000 customers and toppled trees and limbs, damaging some homes in these regions.
“Extreme weather is now the norm and brings with it a higher level of preparedness and response,” Cuomo said. “State agencies will remain in the field working with our local partners to help communities recover as quickly as possible.”
Additionally, personnel from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Environmental Conservation, State Police, Department of Public Service, and the Department of Transportation, and the Thruway Authority helped local officials to assess recovery efforts from damage in affected communities, removing downed trees and restoring power as quickly as possible.
New York’s utilities have added 900 line, tree and service workers to the existing base of 4,300 workers for restoration efforts, if needed. Crews were moved to the areas that have the greatest storm impact. Department of Public Service staff will continue to monitor the utilities’ recovery and restoration efforts.
The Thruway Authority encouraged motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway by following www.thruway.ny.gov/tas/index.shtml. For real-time updates, motorists can follow @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter or by visiting www.thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.
The State Department of Transportation deployed more than 200 personnel including more than 30 supervisors to 12 impacted counties. They cleared trees and debris, making sure that roads were safe for drivers and utility personnel.
Severe storms have been responsible for nearly 200 deaths across the United States in 2017 and on average, over the last 10 years, nearly 200 people die each year throughout the U.S. from severe weather, officials said.
For a list of complete list of weather terms and preparation ideas before during and after a flood, visit the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services website at www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/flood/floodprepare.cfm.