MENA Newswire, NEW YORK: A statewide state of emergency remained in effect in New York on Monday as parts of the Southern Tier continued post storm cleanup and several counties kept travel advisories in place to limit non essential driving on snow and ice covered roads. Officials said the emergency declaration allows state agencies to coordinate response and move resources as needed, while local advisories focus on keeping traffic down as plows and crews work.
Travel advisories were listed Monday for Broome, Cortland, Delaware, Tompkins and Tioga counties, covering a stretch of central and upstate New York served by the National Weather Service office in Binghamton. Authorities stressed that a travel advisory does not automatically prohibit driving, but urges residents to avoid trips that are not necessary so highway departments and emergency responders can operate safely and clear routes more quickly.
Broome County’s advisory was set to remain in place until noon Monday, with county offices delaying openings until that time. Delaware County’s advisory was issued as a no unnecessary travel directive through 6 p.m. Monday. Officials advised residents to check local alerts and instructions before heading out, as conditions can vary by town and road type and some restrictions may be tightened or lifted based on roadway progress.
In Cortland County, the sheriff’s office extended a travel advisory Monday following continued hazardous road conditions and cleanup, keeping the request in place through late day. Tompkins County authorities also urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel through Monday, citing winter weather impacts and the need to keep roads open for plows, tow operators and emergency services. Tioga County was included in regional advisories as communities continued digging out after the storm.
State response and emergency coordination
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office said the state emergency operations center was activated to coordinate the statewide response as the storm moved across New York. State officials said the emergency declaration remained in effect statewide and urged residents to limit travel during hazardous conditions, particularly while snowfall and strong winds reduced visibility and made roads difficult. The state’s messaging emphasized caution for drivers and support for local governments handling plowing and emergency calls.
Ahead of the storm, the state announced additional traffic measures intended to reduce risk and keep major routes moving. State officials said commercial vehicles were required to use the right travel lane on state roads, including the New York State Thruway, and said certain long combination tandem vehicles were subject to restrictions on the Thruway during the storm period. Officials framed those steps as part of broader efforts to manage road safety during heavy snow and bitter cold.
County leaders across the Southern Tier continued to direct residents to local emergency management updates for road conditions and advisories. In Broome County, the delayed opening plan included county offices and sheriff’s operations resuming later Monday as conditions allowed. In Tompkins County, the sheriff’s office advised drivers to stay off the roads unless necessary to reduce crashes and allow highway crews and emergency responders to work efficiently.
Travel advisory meaning and guidance
Authorities repeatedly noted that advisories are not the same as full travel bans, which are typically reserved for the most dangerous conditions. Under an advisory, residents who must travel are urged to slow down, allow extra time, keep vehicles fueled, charge phones, and carry winter gear. Officials also encouraged residents to look out for neighbors, especially during prolonged cold, and to report emergencies through local channels.
The storm system that affected New York was part of a broader winter weather event that brought heavy snow and extreme cold to sections of the eastern United States. In New York, the immediate focus Monday was on clearing secondary roads, restoring normal public services, and reducing traffic in areas where crews were still widening lanes and treating slick surfaces. Local officials said updated guidance would continue to be issued as cleanup progressed.