Governor Hochul Responds to Severe Winter Storms Across New York and Massachusetts

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has taken decisive action in response to a series of severe winter storms impacting both New York and neighboring Massachusetts. These actions include deploying resources to assist Massachusetts and declaring a State of Emergency for multiple counties in New York as blizzard conditions threatened the state.

State of Emergency Declared in New York

On February 21, 2026, Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency for Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Greene, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester, and contiguous counties. This declaration came as a blizzard was forecast to hit Long Island, New York City, and the Lower Hudson Valley. Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency

The National Guard was activated, with 100 members deployed to support response operations and local partners across New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley. Forecasts predicted 18-24 inches of snow for Long Island and New York City, 12-18 inches for the Hudson Valley, and 8-12 inches for the Capital Region, with the rest of the state anticipating 1-6 inches. Wind gusts were expected to reach 60 mph, potentially creating whiteout conditions and making travel extremely dangerous.

New Yorkers were urged to avoid travel from Sunday through Monday and employers were encouraged to allow for remote work. More than 5,600 utility workers were placed on standby to address potential power outages caused by strong winds and heavy snow. Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency

Support for Massachusetts

Governor Hochul also authorized the deployment of snow removal personnel and equipment to Massachusetts to aid in their response to a blizzard that brought more than two feet of snow to areas across the southeastern region of the commonwealth. Governor Hochul Deploys Snow Removal Assets to Massachusetts

State Preparations and Updates

Prior to the blizzard, Governor Hochul provided updates to New Yorkers on the state’s preparedness efforts, directing all non-essential employees to telecommute on Monday, February 22, 2026. Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State Preparations A storm briefing was also held to inform the public about the expected extreme weather conditions. Governor Hochul Holds a Storm Briefing

Staying Informed

New Yorkers can sign up for weather and emergency alerts by texting 333111. Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency