Albany, NY - September 2, 2016 - Governor Cuomo today announced the New York State Emergency Operations center will be activated on Sunday at noon, and has directed State officials from responding agencies to immediately be on alert in advance of Tropical Storm Hermine. State Emergency Personnel are actively monitoring the storm as it approaches, and stockpile resources in the downstate region – including sandbags, high-axel vehicles, pumps and generators – are prepared for deployment.
“As Tropical Storm Hermine continues up the east coast, the state will be taking all necessary precautions to support our local partners and keep our residents safe,” said Governor Cuomo. “While there is still uncertainty as to how far west the storm will track as it approaches New York State, we stand ready and prepared to respond with emergency equipment, supplies and personnel. I strongly urge all New Yorkers – especially those in the path of the storm – to stay updated by checking local weather reports and using NY Alert to follow the storm's progress throughout the weekend."
Tropical Storm Hermine, which hit landfall in Florida last night, is forecasted to bring heavy rains, dangerous rip currents, high waves and coastal flooding to Long Island and New York City as early as Sunday evening. This morning, Tropical Storm Hermine was located over southwestern Georgia with sustained winds at 70 mph. While the center of the storm is expected to remain south of Long Island, impacts will occur well away from its center.
State Officials and National Guard Closely Monitoring Storm
At the direction of Governor Cuomo, the New York State Emergency Operations Center will be activated on Sunday at noon. Representatives from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Emergency Management, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Department of Health, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Thruway, State Police, Public Service Commission and the Division of Military and Naval Affairs have been directed to report to the Emergency Operations Center for this activation.
The National Guard is on alert and prepared to immediately respond as necessary to any coastal storm which impacts New York City, Long Island, and the lower Hudson Valley. The National Guard has Initial Response Forces throughout the region – personnel and equipment include 100 Soldiers and Airmen and 45 vehicles that include high-axel trucks and high mobility multi-purpose vehicles. The National Guard also has two Engineer Initial Response Forces with front end loaders, dump trucks and smaller Bob Cats available for use if necessary.
Stockpile Resources Prepared for Deployment
New York State stockpiles in Brentwood and John F. Kennedy International Airport that are immediately available for deployment include:
· 29 generators
· 58 light towers
· 252,000 bottles of water
· 97,104 ready-to-eat meals
· 19,200 Kosher ready-to-eat meals
· 155 pumps that range from 2”, 3”, 4” and 6”
· Two sandbaggers; 200,000 sandbags
The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has five High Axle Vehicles ready to respond. Each has been equipped with personal flotation devices, hand lights, hand tools (forcible entry and shovels), blankets and an inflatable boat. Additionally, DHSES OFPC Swift Water Rescue Teams are on stand-by.
Additional resources from stockpiles across the state are available for transport to the affected region if necessary.