NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE: Winter Storm Warning issued January 12 at 7:10AM EST

Issued By: NWS Albany (Eastern New York and Western New England)

Jurisdictions:  Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Ulster, Warren, Washington Counties

Description: ...Winter Storm Warning Remains In Effect Until 7 PM EST This Evening... A Winter Storm Warning For Heavy Snow And Blowing Snow Remains In Effect Until 7 PM EST This Evening. * Locations: Northwest Connecticut...Berkshires...Southeastern Adirondacks...Lake George Saratoga Region...Eastern Mohawk Valley...Greater Capital District...Schoharie Valley...Eastern Catskills... Taconics...And Mid Hudson Valley Of New York... And Southern Vermont. * Hazards: Moderate To Heavy Snowfall And Blowing Snow. * Accumulations: 6 To 30 Inches With The Highest Snowfall Totals Across The Taconics And Western New England And The Lowest Totals Across Northwest Hamilton County...Most Areas Can Expect To Receive 8 To 20 Inches Of Snow. Areas Of Blowing And Drifting Snow Expected This Afternoon As North To Northwest Winds Increase To 10 To 20 Mph With Gusts 25 To 35 Mph. * Timing: Snow Heavy At Times Tapering Off Toward Evening. Snowfall Rates Around An Inch Per Hour...Possibly 2 To 4 Inches Per Hour At Times This Morning. * Impacts: Hazardous Travel Conditions Are Expected Late Tonight Into Wednesday Afternoon. Roads Will Become Snow Covered And Very Hard To Travel. Visibilities Will Be Under A Quarter Of Mile At Times. The Commute Wednesday Morning Will Be Very Difficult.

Instructions: A Winter Storm Warning Means Significant Amounts Of Snow Are Expected To Occur. This Will Make Travel Very Hazardous Or Impossible.

CDTA WINTER SERVICE UPDATE:

(Albany, NY) – The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) will provide service as best as possible under the weather conditions presented.   Due to the overnight precipitation, some service may be delayed.  At this time, there are only minor service delays on some routes.  Most routes are operating on schedule. For more up-to-date service details, please visit www.cdta.org or call 482-8822.  

CDTA service updates regarding route delays, detours or suspensions will be provided periodically through www.cdta.org, and by contacting the Customer Information Center at 482-8822.  Information Operators are on duty 6am-7pm weekdays and 8:00am-6pm weekends and holidays. Follow CDTA on twitter at @CDTA for news, route information and service alerts."

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:

Albany is open and operating. The Airport Snow Team began operations at 11:00 pm. last evening.

The Airport is expecting a total of 6-10 inches of snow as a result of this storm. At 5:15 a.m. today, airlines had cancelled 18 departing flights and nine arriving flights.

Passengers impacted by cancelled flights should contact their airline to begin the rebooking process.

A full list of cancellations can be found on the Albany International Airport web site at Albanyairport.com. 

NEW YORK: 

NOTICE FROM NY State Police (Troop K – Poughkeepsie): Due to deteriorating road conditions and predicted snowfall hourly rates ALL Tandem Tractor Trailers are banned from Interstates 84 and 684 in New York State until further notice.

The New York State Police in Troop K request that all motorists avoid non-essential travel on area roadways during the periods of expected heavy snowfall. The storm is forecasted to begin after 9:00 P.M. tonight, and is expected to intensify in the region at approximately 11:00 P.M, concluding during the mid to late morning hours of Wednesday, January 12, 2011.

Although The New York State Police will have extra patrols on duty throughout the region to assist as needed, roadways are expected to be snow covered and slippery, which may make travel difficult and potentially hazardous. Those who must commute on Wednesday morning are encouraged to use mass transportation or defer travel to some point after the conclusion of the storm. Up to the minute information regarding traffic conditions will be posted on www.NY511.org.  Motorists are strongly encouraged to check with local municipalities before traveling, as it is anticipated that State of Emergencies may be issued throughout the region, prohibiting vehicular travel on local roadways.

Additional updates will be posted during the storm.  

NOTICE FROM NYS THRUWAY AUTHORITY: Effective immediately, the New York State Thruway is closed to tandem trucks between New York City and Exit 25A (Schenectady) because of severe weather conditions. This restriction is in effect until further notice.

The restriction applies to the Thruway (I-87), the Berkshire Spur (I-90), the New England Thruway (I-95), the Cross Westchester Expressway (I-287), and the Tappan Zee Bridge.

The restriction specifically applies to LCV (longer combination vehicle) tandem trucks.

The Thruway Authority advises all motorists to avoid any unnecessary travel in the New York and Hudson Valley regions during this severe weather event.

The snowstorm is expected to produce high winds and as much as a foot of snow through certain periods of Tuesday and Wednesday.

For updates, please monitor Highway Advisory Radio and Variable Message Signs posted along the Thruway system. Road and weather conditions are updated regularly at the weblink http://www.thruway.ny.gov/maps/index.html .

The latest forecasts from the National Weather Service for regions along the Thruway are available at http://www.thruway.ny.gov/weather/ .

In the case of an emergency, motorists are advised to call either 1-800-842-2233 or 911.

Instructions:  For more travel information visit 511NY For Frequently Asked Questions or to leave a comment, visit the Frequently Asked Questions

COLUMBIA COUNTY:

Town of Greenport:

The Town of Greenport Highway Department has declared no parking on any town streets starting at midnight Wednesday, until further notice. Any vehicles found in violation will be ticketed and towed.

City of Hudson:

A snow emergency will be implemented starting tomorrow, Wednesday January 12. All vehicles should be parked on the odd side of the road by 8 am and beginning at 8 am on Thursday, January 13, all vehicles should be parked on the even side of the roads. The snow emergency is expected to end 8 am Friday.

GREENE COUNTY:

Village of Athens:

A snow emergency has been issued for the Village of Athens, beginning Tuesday, January 11 at 6 p.m. until Friday, January 14, 2011. All snow emergency parking will be in effect with alternate side of the street parking change at 6 p.m. No parking on Second Street.

Town of Cairo:

All residents are asked to park their vehicles in driveways and parking lots adjacent to main roads rather than on the main roads and side streets. All Main Street residents are reminded to follow the regulations posted on the alternate side parking street sides.

Village of Catskill:

All vehicles should be parked on the odd side of Village streets from 8PM- 8AM then switch to even sides 12 hours later. Vehicles should switch sides every 12 hours until the snow emergency has been cancelled. There will be no parking on Main Street from Greene Street to Fairview Avenue beginning at 11PM.

Vilators will be ticketed and eventually towed.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY:

The county is reminding residents to not plow snow onto and across the highway. Anyone violating this law will be issued a ticket.

RENSSELAER COUNTY:

Closings:

The Rensselaer County Troy Senior Center cancelled their Special Dinner which was scheduled for January 12, 2011. It is now rescheduled for Friday, January 14, 2011.

Village of Castleton:

The Village of Castleton is declaring a snow emergency commencing Wednesday January 12, 2011 at 6:00 AM, ending Thursday January 13, 2011 at 12 noon. If an extension is necessary the Village will notify you. Thank You for your cooperation. Margaret Lill, Village Clerk

Town of East Greenbush:  No longer in effect

Town of Schodack:

Schodack Highway Dept. has declared a snow emergency in the town, meaning no parking will be allowed on the streets from midnight Wed. to midnight Thurs.

SARATOGA COUNTY:

City of Mechanicville:

The City of Mechanicville is declaring a snow emergency to go into effect on Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. Cars should be parked on the even side of the street until 8 a.m. Thursday, then the odd side.

Vehicles in non-compliance will be ticketed and towed.

City of Saratoga Springs:

Beggining at 9AM on January 12, 2011,  every motor vehicle on all City Streets in Saratoga Springs, except those streets posted for alternate-side parking, should be moved to a plowed or cleared area every (12) twelve hours.

All vehicles in violation of the City's Snow Emergency parking regulations are subject to being ticketed or towed at owner's expense.

Village of Stillwater:

Due to the declared snow emergency, parking on Village Streets are prohibited until January 13, 2011 at 4PM.

Town of Waterford:

A snow emergency is going to start at 7:00 AM, January 12, 2011 until all streets are plowed and snow is cleared. All Residents must follow snow emergency sign or your car will be towed. Alternate side parking is not in effect. Any questions contact Harry Martel 235-3413 Highway Superintendent.

Village of Waterford:

Please be advised that a snow emergency is in effect in the Village of Waterford from 7:00AM Wednesday, January 12, 2011 until all streets are plowed and pushed back. Any vehicles not moved or interfering with snow plowing operations on Village streets or the Village parking lot will be towed at owners expense.

Alternate side parking is not in effect in the Village of Waterford

City of Saratoga Springs:

Beggining at 9AM on January 12, 2011,  every motor vehicle on all City Streets in Saratoga Springs, except those streets posted for alternate-side parking, should be moved to a plowed or cleared area every (12) twelve hours.

All vehicles in violation of the City's Snow Emergency parking regulations are subject to being ticketed or towed at owner's expense.

Village of Menands:

Mayor Thomas E. Coates has declared a snow emergency for the Village of Menands effective immediately. There is no parking allowed on any village street until 4:00 PM Thursday, January 13, 2011.

City of Watervilet

THE CITY OF WATERVLIET HAS DECLARED A SNOW EMERGENCY STARTING AT 8:00 AM Thursday January 13, 2011.   ALL RESIDENTS MUST BE PREPARED TO MOVE THEIR VEHICALS FOR PLOWING.  ANY VEHICALS NOT MOVED FOR PLOWING WILL BE TOWED.  Residents should consult the City of Watervliet Web Site for the Snow Removal Policy @ www.watervliet.com  

Vehicles will be towed if not moved. 

ANY QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MARK GLEASON GENERAL MANAGER 701-4897

City of Albany:

Please be advised that the City of Albany has issued a SNOW EMERGENCY that will begin at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at which time all normal parking rules and regulations are temporarily suspended.

During the first 24 hours of the snow emergency all vehicles must be parked on the even numbered side of the street.

Beginning at 8:00 P.M. Thursday, January 13, 2011 all vehicles must be parked on the odd numbered side of the street for the next 24-hour period.

If you are parked on the wrong side of the street during the snow emergency your car will be ticketed and may result in it being towed.

After the second 24-hour period please stay tuned for further announcements. For SNOW EMERGENCY information, call 476-SNOW or log into the city of Albany's website at www.ALBANYNY.GOV.

MAYOR JENNINGS AND COMMISSIONER D'ANTONIO ANNOUNCE IMPORTANT RECYCLING PROGRAM CHANGES

Albany, NY – Effective immediately the City of Albany will no longer suspend recycling during a snow emergency. Over time, the Department of General Services has implemented critical changes in the snow operational plan and is now able to effectively execute a snow emergency without suspending recycling pick up.

"With the many new procedures implemented over the past few years, I believe this change will not affect our ability to positively perform the duties of a snow emergency," said Commissioner Nick D'Antonio.

If a snow emergency is declared during a regularly scheduled waste and recycling collection day, residents should place their trash and recyclables curbside as usual. However, the city still reserves the right to suspend trash and recycling during a snow emergency should a major accumulation of snow and weather conditions warrant such action.

"I am encouraged by the increased participation in recycling efforts throughout our Capital City, and I look forward to the continued cooperation of our citizenry, as we work together to ensure our City remains clean and safe," said Mayor Jennings.

MASSACHUSETTS:

DUE TO STORM, NON-EMERGENCY STATE EMPLOYEES DO NOT HAVE TO REPORT TO WORK WEDNESDAY:

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Beginning at 3:00AM on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), located at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham, as well as the three MEMA Regional Emergency Operations Centers in Tewksbury, Bridgewater and Agawam, on a 24/7 basis, in response to the potentially severe winter storm.

"A number of key members of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Team (MEMT), representing a variety of state, federal, local, private and volunteer agencies and organizations, will assemble to provide resources, equipment, manpower and technical expertise to local communities who may request assistance," stated MEMA Acting Director Kurt Schwartz. "Our Regional Offices, as well as the State EOC, will work closely with local officials to respond to any adverse impacts of this storm.

WHO: MEMA, MEMT

WHAT: Activation of SEOC

WHEN: 3:00AM, Wednesday, January 12, 2011

WHERE: MEMA Headquarters, Framingham, MA/3 MEMA Regional Offices in Tewksbury, Bridgewater & Agawam.

WHY: To Support Communities If Winter Storm Issues Arise.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA and Winter Preparedness go to www.mass.gov/mema.  Follow MEMA updates on Facebook and Twitter.

BERKSHIRE COUNTY:

Town of Adams: Over at 7:00 a.m. Thursday

City of North Adams:

Mayor Dick Alcombright has declared a snow emergency for the City of North Adams from midnight Wednesday, January 12 until noon on Thursday, January 13 - This emergency will be assessed during the day and an update will be issued - Residents are asked to please be certain their vehicles are off the streets to facilitate the plowing and cleanup efforts 

City of Pittsfield:

The City of Pittsfield has declared a Snow Emergency to be in effect from midnight on Wednesday, January 12 until 7:00 a.m. Thursday.  A Snow Emergency means that no vehicles can be parked on any city streets.  Municipal garages are available for parking of cars.

Allied Waste has notified the City of Pittsfield that due to the impending snow storm, garbage pickup will be delayed by one day for the rest of this week, similar to a holiday delay.    Those scheduled to for garbage pickup on Wednesday, will have theirs picked up on Thursday.  Thursday's pickup will take place on Friday and Friday's on Saturday.

Town of Lenox:

The Town of Lenox, MA has declared a SNOW EMERGENCY beginning Wednesday, 12  January 2011 at 6:00AM continuing through Thursday, 13 January 2011 at 10:00AM.  Any vehicles parked on any streets town wide will be towed at the owner's expense for snow removal purposes.