Governor Cuomo Activates the Emergency Operations Center in Advance of Heavy Rains and Potential Flooding

ALBANY, N.Y., Oct. 29 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., issued the following news release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today activated the New York State Emergency Operations Center and directed all state agencies to take precautionary measures and mobilize personnel in order to monitor and prepare for this weekend's storm. State agencies are prepared to deploy resources as needed, and representatives from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services; Office of Emergency Management; Office of Fire Prevention and Control; Department of Transportation; Department of Environmental Conservation; New York State Thruway; State Police; Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Department of Corrections and Community Supervision; Public Service Commission; and the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, have been directed to immediately report to the Emergency Operations Center for this activation.

"As this storm rolls through New York this afternoon and through the night, state agencies are fully prepared to deploy resources as needed to regions impacted by heavy rain and flood conditions across the state," Governor Cuomo said. "At my direction, the Emergency Operations Center is activated and personnel are at the ready to help New Yorkers impacted by these adverse weather conditions. I urge everyone to take caution, avoid driving, and remain indoors if possible."

Rain storms will continue to move east and spread across state, reaching Long Island by this evening. Rain will increase Sunday afternoon with 0.5 - 1 inch accumulations per hour at times expected. This storm will also bring northwest winds, with the strongest across Lake Ontario and its shoreline, tonight and tomorrow. Precipitation totals will be 2 -4 inches throughout the state with pockets of accumulation reaching six inches from central New York east, north and south.

As the system moves out tomorrow, strong and damaging westerly winds will impact much of the state, with wind gusts reaching 50 - 70 mph in some locations. High Wind, Flood and Flash Flood Warnings are in effect through tomorrow for most of the state.

State Agency Preparations

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

All MTA operating agencies are monitoring quickly changing storm conditions and mobilizing personnel from incident command centers. Workers are checking and prestaging equipment and preparing their respective systems -- subway, bus, commuter rail, bridge and tunnel -- for safe operation during adverse weather conditions.

New York City Subway

* Three debris trains are pre-staged at yards and will be crewed through 6 p.m. Monday.

* Extra emergency dispatch vehicles are deployed through Monday afternoon to allow for quicker response to adverse conditions.

* Station maintenance crews have inspected all floor drains and field supervision are continuously monitoring conditions.

* Extra track and signal personnel are staged at key locations to quickly respond to weather-related emergencies and all problem areas and track pumps have been checked.

New York City Buses

* Extra personnel working in traditional locations as well as at satellite locations have been deployed.

* All depots and other facilities have been secured from storm conditions, including checking all storm drains for debris and clearing as necessary.

* As the forecast develops, additional operator coverage may be added to assist Long Island Rail-Road and Metro-North Railroad operations.

* All flood-prone routes will be monitored. Bus service is contingent upon local road conditions.

Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad

* Personnel and equipment have been prepared to handle fallen trees and tree limbs, as well as problems with overhead power lines.

* Slippery rail mitigation - the protection of rails against crushed leaf residue using power washing and gel application - is underway.

* Diesel trains have been pre-deployed to assist operations in case of electric power failure.

* In addition to extra personnel responsible for train operations, signals, communication equipment and structures, the LIRR public information office is staffing up to provide updates and other information to customers in a timely manner, both in the field and on social media.

* LIRR managers have been deployed in Manhattan, Jamaica and the East End of Long Island to monitor, supervise and coordinate operations.

* Equipment at critical locations such as the Jamaica hub, Harold Interlocking and Ronkonkoma Station have been protected from possible storm effects.

Bridges and Tunnels

* Speed restrictions may be put into place, and if conditions warrant, vehicle restrictions may be put into place (examples include tractor trailers, motorcycles and cars pulling trailers).

* Facilities may be closed if sustained wind speeds exceed 60 miles per hour. Pedestrian walkways close when sustained wind speeds reach 40 miles per hour. Officials may enact restrictions under other conditions if there is a safety hazard.

* Leadership are monitoring staffing needs and are ready to deploy additional personnel where and when needed.

* Electronic weather sensors are functional and all facilities have the ability to monitor weather and roadway conditions.

* Equipment and supplies such as drainage pumps, generators, fuel and portable wind-speed measuring devices have all been checked.

* Off-property and on-property areas that are prone to flooding have been checked and are clear of debris and other obstructions to drainage.

Staten Island Railway

* Slippery rail mitigation - the protection of rails against crushed leaf residue using power washing and gel application - is underway.

* Personnel and equipment have been pre-staged to respond to fallen trees and tree limbs.

* Crane operations are being suspended.

For the latest updates on service, visit www.mta.info, sign up for text and email alerts at www.MyMTAalerts.com, and follow MTA agencies on twitter: @NYCTSubway, @NYCTBus, @LIRR,@MetroNorth.

Port Authority

The Port Authority has a full complement of staff at all of its transportation facilities to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of customers who use them each day can be safely accommodated and has made appropriate preparations in advance of this weekend's storm. Actions include securing equipment at all its construction sites, clearing catch basins to ensure water does not cause flooding and watching wind conditions at its bridges. Emergency equipment and crews also are in place in case of any storm-related issues.

Additionally, the Port Authority encourages travelers to check their flight and bus information before traveling to the airport and bus terminals. For up-to-the-minute updates on Port Authority crossings, airports and the PATH system, travelers are encouraged to sign up for Port Authority alerts at www.paalerts.com. Travelers may also call 511 or visit 511NY.org or 511NJ.org for further information on highway conditions.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has prepared assets and stockpiles to support any response efforts that may arise across the state and the State's nine regional stockpiles are each prepared with a sandbagging machine, generators, pumps and hoses and there are over 701,000 fillable sandbags state-wide. The Division's swift water rescue teams: New York Task Force-2 (NYTF-2), Urban Search and Rescue Teams, boats, and high axle vehicles are prepared for deployment.

Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC police officers, forest rangers and regional water engineers are on alert and monitoring the developing situation. All available assets are ready to assist with any emergency response or flooding events that may occur as a result of this storm system.

Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation has inspected and cleared obstructions to drainage inlets and culverts; and continues to monitor state-owned bridges for any indications of distress that can be caused during flooding events; quick-clear crews are staffed throughout the state to respond to infrastructure and flooding issues, including downed trees, and as other issues arise.

Before traveling, motorists are reminded to check 511NY by calling 511, or by visiting www.511ny.org. The free service allows users to check road conditions and transit information. Mobile users can download the free 511NY mobile app from the iTunes or Google Play stores. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction. Users can set a destination prior to departing and receive information on up to three routes.

New York State Canal Corporation

The New York State Canal Corporation also took steps to increase capacity in various portions of the Canal System, including reservoirs, by increasing discharge rates on the Champlain Canal, as well as the Erie Canal from the Capital Region west to the Finger Lakes Region. Additionally, all movable dams between Lock E-8 (Rotterdam) and Lock E-15 (Fort Plain) were removed to allow for the natural flow of the Mohawk River.

Thruway Authority

Thruway Authority field staff have cleared and inspected drainage structures and all equipment such as chain saws, chippers and pumps are ready and operational for deployment. Supervisory staff are continuing roadway patrols and inspections today, focused in areas forecast to receive the most significant rainfall. Staff will continue to monitor weather alerts from the National Weather Service and adjust monitoring and response accordingly.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway. Motorists can sign up for TRANSalerts by following this link: www.thruway.ny.gov/tas/index.shtml. Thruway travelers can also get real-time updates by following @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.

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for NY Alert at https://users.nyalert.gov to get immediate alerts on flood warnings and severe storms.

The Governor offered the following safety tips:

All residents should have the following items available in case of power outages:

* Flashlights and extra batteries.

* Battery-powered portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio to receive emergency information.

* Seven to ten days' supply of food. High-energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best. Also stock an emergency supply of bottled water. The recommended amount is one gallon per person per day for 7 to 10 days.

* A one-week supply of essential medicines and baby items.

* First aid kit and supplies.

* Extra blankets and sleeping bags.

* Fire extinguisher and smoke detector - test regularly to ensure they are working properly.

Flood preparation safety tips:

* Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.

* Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.

* Make an itemized list - as well as potentially photo and video documentation -- of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.

* Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.

* Plan what to do with your pets.

* Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.

* Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

* Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.

* Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency water-proofing.

* Check on your insurance coverage. Homeowners' insurance policies generally do not cover flood damages. Only flood insurance can protect your home against flood damages. You can purchase flood insurance whether or not you live in a mapped flood zone.

Travel with Care

* Leave early to avoid being marooned on flooded roads.

* Make sure you have enough fuel for your car.

* Follow recommended routes. DO NOT sightsee.

* As you travel, monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local radio broadcasts for the latest information.

* Watch for washed-out roads, earth-slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and falling or fallen objects.

* Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges, and low areas.

* DO NOT attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.

* DO NOT underestimate the destructive power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car. Water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

* If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.

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.