New York Governor declares state of emergency - how does it affect citizens and until when?

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide State of Emergency in response to severe weather impacting communities across the state.

The declaration comes as high winds and storms have caused significant damage in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, including the City of Rome and areas in Madison County.

“With possible tornado touchdowns across the state, we are standing ready to assist localities however necessary as severe weather continues to move across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers should be sure to monitor their local forecasts and prepare for hazardous travel and other impacts from these storms.”

Under the State of Emergency, Governor Hochul has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to monitor the storms in real-time and support local governments’ requests for assistance.

State agencies, including the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and the Departments of Transportation, Environmental Conservation, and State Police, have been fully engaged in response operations to ensure local partners have access to all available resources.

What a state of emergency means in practice

The declaration gives the state additional powers to coordinate disaster relief efforts, including the ability to suspend regulations, quickly access state resources, and request federal assistance if needed.

It also allows the state to provide aid and support to affected communities, such as deploying emergency personnel, equipment, and supplies. Residents are advised to heed any evacuation orders or other instructions from local authorities.

The State of Emergency will remain in effect until Governor Hochul determines that the emergency no longer exists or requires such declaration.