HV Noreaster: State Restricts Truck Traffic, Deploys Resources

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — As a potent nor-easter descends, New York officials are restricting trucks on major highways through the mid-Hudson Valley.

The state announced a ban on all tandem and empty tractor trailers on the New York State Thruway from Exit 17 in Newburgh to Exit 36, beginning at 8 p.m. Monday.

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Also, state officials issued commercial vehicle restrictions on all of Interstate 84, plus Route 17 between Middletown and Binghamton.

The full list:

• I-84: Full length. 8 p.m. start; No tandem or empty tractor trailers
• I-88: Full Length. 8 p.m. start; No tandem or empty tractor trailers
• I-87 (Northway): Albany To Plattsburgh. 8 p.m. start; No tandem or empty tractor trailers
• I-90: I-87 to Berkshire Spur. 8 p.m. start; No tandem or empty tractor trailers
• I-81: PA Line to Syracuse. 8 p.m. start; “Trucks Use Right Lane” advisory
• Route 17: Middletown to Binghamton. 8 p.m. start; “Trucks Use Right Lane” advisory

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency that goes into effect at 8 p.m. Monday, and includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Ulster counties.

“New Yorkers should prepare now for a multi-day event that will bring up to three feet of snow in certain parts of the Capital Region and Mid-Hudson region,” Hochul said. “State agencies spent the weekend preparing emergency response assets, my team is in constant contact with local officials, and we have activated the National Guard to assist with emergency response. This storm will create hazardous road conditions through Wednesday morning, and I encourage New Yorkers in impacted regions to stay home and avoid any unnecessary travel to allow plow crews to do their job.”

Resources deployed to the Mid-Hudson region:

• 6 plow operators, 1 supervisor, and 2 equipment operator instructors from the Finger Lakes Region
• 24 plow operators and 5 supervisors from Western NY
• 20 plow operators and 2 supervisors from Long Island

To ensure a quick response to potential incidents, DOT will have tow trucks pre-staged on I-90 between Exits 5 and 6 and on the Northway near the Twin Bridges, as well as parts of I-84, I-684, Route 17 and I-81.

The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event, state officials said.

“The forecasted snow totals for this winter storm keep increasing, and the weight of the snow combined with 45 mph wind gusts will almost certainly bring down tree branches and power lines,” New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said. “New Yorkers should plan for two to three days straight of hazardous winter weather starting tonight. Only travel if absolutely necessary, and keep your phones and other devices charged in case you need to call for assistance during a power outage.”

SEE: Heavy Rain, Wet Snow, Gusty Winds: Nor’easter Hits The HV