Government

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Heavy Snow and Potentially Dangerous Travel Conditions Early in the Week

Published

3 years ago

February 11, 2024

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Governor Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for a storm system that could bring heavy snow, gusty winds and locally moderate coastal flood impacts beginning late Monday night and continuing through the Tuesday morning commute, which will likely cause potentially dangerous driving conditions. Parts of the Mid-Hudson Region could see up to 6-8 inches of snow, with parts of the lower Mid-Hudson expected to receive up to 12 inches of snow, and areas in the Capital and Southern Tier regions potentially receiving 4-6 inches of snow. The New York City and Long Island regions could see up to 1-3 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 40 mph, as well as localized coastal flooding conditions, especially during high tides Monday night and Tuesday. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to pay attention to the weather forecast for their area and be aware of changing conditions and impacts as the forecast is updated over the weekend, including potentially hazardous travel and potential power outages.

“As New Yorkers are preparing to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday, we are tracking a developing storm that will impact a substantial area of New York into the early part of the week,” Governor Hochul said. “I have directed State agencies to mobilize in preparation for this storm and urge everyone to watch for weather and travel updates as it develops.”

For the Capital, Mid-Hudson, Southern Tier, New York City and Long Island regions, precipitation is forecast to start as rain for some and then turn to snow by late Monday night with the heaviest snowfall on early Tuesday morning. Snowfall rates could reach up to one inch per hour at times. Slippery, hazardous travel is likely for the Tuesday morning commute in impacted areas. Snow is forecast to continue through Tuesday evening and wind gusts up 40 mph along the coast will start early Tuesday morning and continue into the afternoon.

Winter Storm Watches have been issued for parts of the State in advance of the storm and more may be issued as the forecast develops. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer. For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

Agency Activities
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division‘s Office of Emergency Management is in contact with local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. State stockpiles are staffed and ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed.

New York State Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,760 supervisors and operators. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond. All residencies in impacted locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations with operators, supervisors, and mechanics throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

1,544 large plow trucks
150 medium duty plows
52 tow plows
36 snow blowers
339 large loaders
20 graders

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511ny.org, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority
The Thruway Authority is monitoring the weather forecast and ready to respond with 696 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

363 large and medium duty plow trucks
11 tow plows
65 loaders
Approximately 124,000 tons of salt on hand

Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

Department of Public Service
Utility companies regulated by the Department of Public Service have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in repair and restoration efforts for the winter weather system this weekend. DPS staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utility companies shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact. If your service is interrupted, visit the DPS Utility Service Interruptions website for tips.

New York State Police
State Police is monitoring weather conditions and will deploy additional Troopers to impacted areas as needed. All State Police four-wheel drive and specialized vehicles, including snowmobiles, airboats, and utility terrain vehicles are staged, and necessary equipment is ready for immediate response as needed. All emergency power and communications equipment have been tested and are functioning appropriately.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor the developing situation and weather forecasts. DEC is coordinating resource deployment with agency partners and all available assets to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy snow.

DEC reminds those responsible for the removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help prevent flooding and reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash, and other debris in snow from affecting water quality. Disposal of snow in local creeks and streams can create ice dams which may cause flooding in nearby areas. Public and private snow removal operators should be aware of these safety issues during and after winter storms. Additional information is available online here.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Response equipment is being fueled, tested, and prepared for storm response use. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Officials are monitoring conditions and will strategically pre-position personnel and equipment to be able to respond to weather conditions as necessary.

New York City Transit will be watching the storm closely and activating storm desks as appropriate to have personnel in place. Workers will pre-salt and sand surfaces. Equipment and personnel will be in place to rapidly respond to snow and ice conditions, and to keep signals, switches and the third rail clear. Crews will also be on standby to remove any downed trees that fall across the tracks and other weather-related conditions.

Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad crews will have equipment on hand to be able to respond quickly as conditions warrant, including chainsaws for clearing downed trees, pumps in the event of flooded areas, identifying locations and availability of supplies for replacing damaged utility poles and crossing gates. Diesel locomotives will also be pre-positioned to minimize any potential service impacts.

For latest updates on service across the MTA transportation network, visit the MTA website and various apps including MyMTA and Train Time as well as social media channels.

Port Authority
The Port Authority monitors weather conditions across all its facilities. In the event of severe weather conditions, the agency issues regular travel alerts and updates as needed. For the latest information about Port Authority facilities, please check social media, sign up for PA alerts or download one of the PA mobile apps, including RidePATH, which provides real-time updates and alerts for PATH service.

Government

Rockland County HEAP 2026-2027: Applications Open November 2

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With winter approaching and heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, Rockland County residents will be able to apply for financial assistance through the 2026–2027 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

The Rockland County Department of Social Services announced that applications for Regular HEAP benefits will open Monday, November 2, 2026. The federally funded program helps eligible low-income households pay their home heating bills.

Residents do not need to have a heating emergency or receive a utility shutoff notice to apply. County officials are encouraging eligible households to submit applications early.

“With high heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, HEAP can help eligible low-income households, including older adults, people with disabilities, and families with young children, keep their heat on and stay warm this winter,” said Pat Frawley, Rockland County Commissioner of Social Services.

How Much Heating Assistance Is Available?

For the 2026–2027 heating season, base Regular HEAP benefits for eligible households that pay directly for heating include:

$400 for households using natural gas or electricity.
$990 for households using oil or propane.

Additional benefits may be available depending on household income and whether the household includes a child under age six, an adult 60 or older, or someone with a disability.

Both homeowners and renters may qualify, including some residents whose heating costs are included in their rent. Benefits are generally paid directly to the household’s heating supplier.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on:

Household income and family size.
The type of heating fuel used.
Whether the household includes a young child, older adult or person with a disability.

Households with active Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance (TA) cases may not need to file a separate Regular HEAP application.

How to Apply

Starting November 2, residents can apply through the following options:

Online: myBenefits.ny.gov
In person or by mail: Rockland County Department of Social Services, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building L, Pomona, NY 10970.
By phone: Call 845-364-3486 to see if you qualify for a telephone application.
By email: RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us
By fax: 845-364-3130.

Residents applying by mail, email, fax or in person must submit a completed and signed application along with the required supporting documents.

Emergency Heating Assistance Begins in January

Additional assistance will become available January 4, 2027, when Emergency HEAP opens for eligible households facing a heating crisis, such as a utility shutoff or a shortage of heating fuel.

Emergency applications cannot be submitted online through myBenefits. Residents must contact the HEAP Unit for assistance.

Homeowners may also qualify for help repairing or replacing heating equipment through the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program, as well as assistance through the Clean and Tune program. Both programs opened October 1, 2026.

Where to Get More Information

For questions about eligibility, applications or available heating assistance, contact the Rockland County HEAP Unit:

Phone: 845-364-3486
Email: RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us
Fax: 845-364-3130

HEAP benefits are subject to available funding. Residents are encouraged to apply early.

Government

Rockland County Warming Center Opens November 1 for Winter

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As colder weather approaches, Rockland County is preparing to provide shelter and essential services to residents experiencing homelessness with the reopening of its Warming Center on November 1.

County Executive Ed Day and Social Services Commissioner Patrick Frawley announced that the Rockland County Warming Center, located at the Dr. Robert L. Yeager Health Center in Pomona, will begin its winter season at 5 p.m. Sunday, November 1.

Operated by the Rockland County Department of Social Services (DSS), the facility can accommodate up to 75 homeless single adults each night, providing a warm and safe place to stay during the cold winter months.

The center will generally operate overnight, allowing guests to stay through the following morning. During periods when temperatures, including wind chill, fall below 32 degrees, the facility will also remain open during daytime hours.

Beyond providing a warm and safe place to rest, the Warming Center will offer guests access to essential services, including hot meals, showers and laundry facilities. On-site staff will also help individuals apply for public assistance benefits, explore job placement opportunities, obtain housing referrals and connect with other supportive services.

Transportation Available From Four Rockland Communities

Transportation to the Warming Center will be available from designated pickup locations in Nyack, Haverstraw, Spring Valley and Pomona.

The transportation schedule is as follows:

Nyack: 7 p.m. at Broadway and Burd Street, in front of First Reformed Church of Nyack.
Haverstraw: 7:30 p.m. from the commuter parking lot across from Village Hall.
Spring Valley: 5:30 p.m., 6:10 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. at the Spring Valley Bus and Train Station.
Pomona: 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Building L bus shelter on the Health Center campus.

County officials encourage residents who may need assistance, as well as those seeking information for someone experiencing homelessness, to contact the Department of Social Services.

For additional information about the Warming Center and available services, call the Rockland County Department of Social Services at (845) 364-2332 or (845) 608-6670.

Rockland County also operates an Emergency Family Shelter specifically for children and families. You can contact the Rockland County DSS or call their Rockland County Warming Center information line at (845) 364-2332.