This is a developing story. We will continue to update it as new information is available.
Elected officials and emergency management in the Southern Tier are advising residents to take precautions amid heavy snow and freezing temperatures.
A state of emergency remains in effect across New York state. Governor Kathy Hochul put new travel restrictions in place Sunday, with all commercial vehicles required to travel only in the right travel lane on state roads. Hochul urged New Yorkers to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
The National Weather Service forecasts heavy snowfall through Monday, with 12 to 18 inches of total snow accumulation in Broome, Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler and Tioga counties. Tompkins, Chenango and Otsego Counties could see 18 to 24 inches.
Tompkins County
Tompkins County has declared a state of emergency amid hazardous weather conditions. County offices will be closed Monday.
TCAT has suspended all public transportation services as of 1 p.m. Sunday.
The city of Ithaca has also declared a state of emergency.
Tompkins County’s Code Blue winter shelter is located at 227 Cherry Street in Ithaca. The facility is open 24/7 and will also serve as a warming center.
An extreme weather and travel advisory remains in effect, according to the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office.
“Unnecessary travel is strongly discouraged from the time the storm begins Sunday morning through Monday, [Jan. 26]. If you do not need to be on the roads, please stay home. Limiting traffic helps reduce crashes and allows emergency responders and highway crews to do their jobs safely and efficiently,” Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne said in a statement Friday.
The advisory does not prohibit travel. Osborne said travelers should allow extra time to get to their destination and tell people where they are going. Cars should have adequate fuel, tires and emergency supplies.
He also advised residents to “check on neighbors who may need assistance, especially seniors or those with limited mobility.”
Odd-even parking regulations are in effect in the city of Ithaca.
Broome County
All Broome County offices will be closed until 12:00 p.m Monday.
A travel advisory is also in effect across the county until 12 p.m. on Monday. County officials urged residents to avoid all unnecessary travel.
The villages of Endicott and Johnson City declared states of emergency Sunday.
There are daytime warming centers across the county and overnight emergency shelters in Binghamton. Times of operation vary. It is advised to call before going. A list is on the county’s website.
Winter weather parking regulations will be in effect Sunday and Monday to keep routes clear for snow clearing and emergency vehicles.
Chemung County
According to Chemung County Executive Chris Moss, all county non-essential offices will be on a two-hour delay Monday, Jan. 26.
Sanitation pick up for the city of Elmira will be cancelled for Monday.
The city is asking residents to remove their cars from city streets to make snow plowing easier. Free parking is available at the Centertown Parking Garage until Tuesday, Jan. 27.
The city of Elmira Department of Public Works has urged residents not to drive unless necessary and to “delay trips when especially bad weather is expected.”
In a press release Thursday, the department also told residents to be aware of snowplows on the road.
Drivers are advised to give plows room to operate and to stay a safe distance behind. It added that passing snowplows can be hazardous to both the driver, snow plow operator and other people on the road.
The department reminded residents that shoveling snow from sidewalks and driveways onto the road is not allowed, and that residents should try to wait until plows have passed to shovel their driveways.
If anyone in the area needs a warming center, there is one located at the homeless shelter at 160 High Street in the city of Elmira.
According to shelter officials, “meals and coffee are provided as well as warm clothing, hats and gloves as needed.”
No paperwork is necessary to use the warming center.
Steuben County
The Steuben County Office of Emergency Services and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office recommends no unnecessary travel until 12:00 p.m. on Monday.
The city of Corning website said to follow street parking regulations for “efficient clearing of the streets.”
The city said cars left on the street or illegally parked can slow snowplow operations.
In Hornell, a citywide parking ban will be in effect until 12:00 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26 for snow removal.
Officials asked that vehicle owners make alternate parking arrangements for the duration of the ban.