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Cornell Researchers Aim to Advance NY Winter-Storm Emergency Response

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5 years ago

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ITHACA, N.Y. – Partnering with community organizations, Cornell University researchers are developing and planning a hyperlocal weather forecasting system designed to improve winter-storm emergency response and enhance natural disaster coordination for New York state’s rural communities.

Max Zhang, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, will lead the federally funded effort this spring.

The work is part of the new Civic Innovation Challenge, an $11 million effort led by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The four-month challenge seeks to empower communities to achieve necessary local weather and disaster solutions, so that one day such plans may be scaled up regionally or nationally.

 

“In case of a winter storm or other kind of natural disaster, there is a suite of actions that must be prioritized,” Zhang said. “As upstate towns usually have a limited budget, we’re tying together technology and actions plans.”

For example: “Information is critical for the highway departments to decide where to send the plows and salt trucks first, and decide the correct priority of actions,” he said. “We aim to develop a transferrable priority-action model for all of New York and then perhaps to the rest of the U.S. through the national cooperative extension network.”

Zhang said his group will be partnering with civic and community partners across New York, attempting several innovations integrating computer vision, numerical weather forecasting and Internet of Things-based sensing packages.

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Kids’ Freedom Zone Coming to Nyack’s America 250 Celebration on July 3

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6 days ago

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June 19, 2026

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Families looking for a fun-filled way to celebrate Independence Day weekend will have the opportunity to enjoy games, attractions, and activities for children at the Kids’ Freedom Zone on Friday, July 3.

The family-friendly event will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Top Field at Memorial Park as part of Nyack’s America 250 celebration.

Organizers say the Kids’ Freedom Zone will feature inflatable attractions, games, face painting, and a variety of classic treats, including hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and ice pops.

The event is designed to provide a festive and welcoming experience for children and families while celebrating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

The Kids’ Freedom Zone is one of several activities planned as part of the community’s America 250 festivities, which are being organized with support from local organizations, businesses, and community partners.

Additional information about the event and a complete list of sponsors can be found on the Village of Nyack’s website.

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America 250 Celebration in Clarkstown: Hudson Valley’s First Patriotic Drone Show

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1 week ago

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June 18, 2026

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In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, the Town of Clarkstown is proud to present the first patriotic drone show in Hudson Valley history!

Join us on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Felix Festa Middle School in West Nyack for an unforgettable evening of patriotism, music, and community spirit.

The celebration begins with a special performance by the Official West Point Band as part of Clarkstown’s Summer Concert Series. Following the concert, the night sky will come alive with a spectacular drone light show featuring 400 synchronized drones creating breathtaking patriotic images and symbols that honor America’s 250-year legacy.

The show will also showcase a special design created by the winner of the High School Drone Show Design Competition, giving local students the opportunity to leave their mark on this historic celebration.

This groundbreaking event marks a first for our region and promises to be a memorable experience for residents and visitors of all ages.

Event Schedule

  • Gates Open: 6:00 PM
  • West Point Band Performance: 8:00 PM
  • Drone Show: Approximately 9:15 PM

Bring your family, bring your lawn chairs, and join us as we celebrate America’s past, present, and future under the stars.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

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