Monroe County and the City of Rochester both declared a state of emergency early Sunday afternoon as a massive winter storm bears down on New York.
The winter storm is already underway and expected to bring heavy snow and subzero temperatures to New York. Winter storm warnings are in effect across much of the state through Monday night, according to the National Weather Service. Some areas could also see additional lake-effect snow into Tuesday morning.
The countywide state of emergency became effective straight away and will be in place until it either expires within 30 days or it is rescinded, said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. He also issued a travel advisory requesting county residents avoid any unnecessary travel during the storm.
“These conditions are expected to worsen, and taking this advisory seriously will help save lives,” Bello said.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans also declared a state of emergency for the city and requested no non-essential travel through mid-morning on Monday.
“With a significant amount of snowfall and sub-zero temperatures predicted throughout our region, it is in our residents’ best interests to stay home and stay safe through at least mid-day on Monday,” Mayor Evans said. “Reducing travel will give plows the space and time to clear the roads, and we’ll be able to resume at full capacity on Tuesday.”
Monroe County warming centers
Warming centers will be open for anyone in need of shelter, according to county officials. Anyone who needs transportation to a designated warming shelter can access it via the Regional Transit Service. The local shelters are located at:
R-Centers open Monday, providing meals
Three City R-Centers will be open with reduced hours on Monday – from noon to 4 p.m. – and will provide lunch and dinner:
Numerous city facilities will be closed Monday due to the weather but are expected to reopen Tuesday. Among them:
Other City facilities will be closed to the public on Monday and will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, Jan. 27:
Rochester’s Central Library, 115 South Ave., is expected to also be open from noon to 4 p.m. Monday. The other City Branch Library locations will be closed.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Monroe County and Rochester declare state of emergency as winter storm hits
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
