PLATTSBURGH — The weekend snow storm lived up to the hype, dumping several inches of snow all over New York.
Locally, Essex County and the town of Willsboro declared a State of Emergency in response to the snowy weather Sunday.
According to the county news release, the state of emergency can last up to five days but can be terminated early or extended if needed.
During the state of emergency, the county said:
— All departments and agencies in the County of Essex shall take whatever steps necessary to protect life, property and public infrastructure, or to provide emergency assistance.
— Chairman of the Essex County Board of Supervisors, County Manager, Superintendent of Public Works and all department heads are authorized and directed to enter into emergency contracts for necessary services required to ameliorate and remedy the emergency conditions.
— All pedestrians and vehicles should travel with care on all effected public roadways, and the public shall observe all road closings that may be in effect.
— All Essex County employees and departments are requested to monitor the current conditions and be prepared to mitigate any effects from the storm and to offer and provide any affected residents or persons necessary assistance, including shelter, food and other necessities.
Additionally, while snow and cleanup continued Monday, many offices around the North Country opted to close for the day, including Clinton and Essex county government offices and City Hall in Plattsburgh.
All offices are expected to reopen today.
The National Weather Service said it expected an additional 2 to 4 inches to accumulate across northern New York on Monday. Looking ahead to next weekend, another potential storm could be on the horizon. However, the National Weather Service in Burlington, Vermont, said via Facebook on Monday there is still too much uncertainty surrounding that storm system.
“Over the next few days, we should (have) a better idea of what to expect and how Vermont may be impacted. Be sure to monitor the forecast as we get closer,” the National Weather Service wrote.
STATEWIDE RESPONSE
Statewide, Gov. Kathy Hochul prepared ahead and declared a state of emergency Friday before areas like the North Country were expected to receive over a foot of snow.
“Snow has begun falling across much of the state, and we are anticipating the longest cold stretch and the highest snow totals that we’ve had in several years,” Hochul said in a statement Sunday.
“New Yorkers should avoid any unnecessary travel, allowing first responders and plow crews to do their jobs in keeping people safe and clearing our roads. Take the weather seriously and take precautions to stay safe and stay warm.”
Hochul’s expected opponent in the gubernatorial election later this year, Republican and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, took issue with her handling of the storm.
Blakeman specifically criticized Hochul’s rejection of assistance from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who offered federal support to help New York prepare and respond ahead of the storm
“I shared that the fastest way to help is for ICE to back off so people feel safe accessing warming centers, shelters, hospitals and houses of worship,” Hochul shared on her X account Saturday.
Blakeman called the response “stunningly irresponsible.”
“When a life-threatening winter storm is on the way, you don’t turn down help. You take every truck, every resource and every extra set of hands you can get,” Blakeman said. “Governor Hochul had a chance to put New Yorkers first. Instead, she chose politics.”
In response to Hochul, DHS shared on X that Noem approved “$91,579,284.62 in FEMA funding to keep YOUR CITIZENS safe.”
“Please stop playing politics with the lives of New Yorkers,” the DHS wrote.
“This isn’t about immigration, it’s about keeping families warm, clearing roads and saving lives. Rejecting federal assistance during an emergency to score political points is reckless leadership,” Blakeman added.
He said the governor’s decision sends the wrong message at the worst possible time as seniors, families and other vulnerable residents may need to rely on warming centers, shelters and emergency services.
“People don’t care about Albany talking points when the power goes out and the snow is piling upThey want their government working together,” Blakeman added. “The governor should be focused on public safety, not partisan rhetoric.”
He said, in contrast, Nassau County has declared a State of Emergency and activated all emergency operations, including road treatment and plowing.
“My job is simple: protect residents,” Blakeman said. “If help is offered, we accept it. That’s real leadership.”