State DOT Urges Caution During Weekend Storm

ALBANY, NY (09/03/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee today urged travelers to stay informed and use caution this weekend in areas that might be affected by flooding, high winds and storm surge conditions associated with Hurricane Earl.

"New York State Department of Transportation staff will be monitoring weather and the transportation conditions throughout the storm and its aftermath," Acting Commissioner Gee said. "We are working closely with the State Office of Emergency Management (NYS OEM) and other state and local agencies to help ensure that our roads, bridges and entire transportation network remain safe and accessible throughout this weather event. If damage occurs, we will respond as quickly as possible and we ask for the public's cooperation in avoiding flooded areas and staying off the roads."

Acting Commissioner Gee noted that travel information is available around the clock by calling 511 or by visiting www.511NY.org, a NYSDOT service that provides information on road conditions, traffic disruptions and links to transit and air travel schedules. NY-ALERT, the State's alert and notification system, provides severe weather alerts across the state. It is available at www.nyalert.gov.

NYSDOT staff will monitor roads and bridges throughout regions that could be affected by the storm. Travelers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel in areas where the storm might hit. If travel is necessary, please follow any detours or road closures that are placed on roadways.

"Later today, we are expecting weather conditions to deteriorate in eastern coastal areas with high winds, rough seas and heavy rain," said Andrew X. Feeney, Director of NYS OEM. "Residents in those areas should put safety first. If you don't have to travel, stay put and stay safe."

Motorists are reminded that if traffic signals are out of service or malfunctioning, affected intersections should be approached with caution and traversed as if they were marked with stop signs.

The following safety precautions should be taken by motorists in the event of evacuation or high winds and water levels:

· Make sure that you understand evacuation plans in your area, select an evacuation destination and map out your route. Use evacuation routes that have been designated and, if possible, familiarize yourself with your evacuation route by driving it before and evacuation order is issued;

• · Do not attempt to travel without a planned route or place to go;
• · Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas that are prone to flooding so that you can avoid them if necessary;
• · In the event of closed or blocked roadways due to flooding, downed power lines or debris, motorists are reminded to use caution and obey all traffic signs or barricades;
• · Avoid driving into water of an unknown depth; and
• · Be aware of moving water, which can quickly sweep vehicles away;

The National Weather Service advises the following during flood conditions:

• · Monitor the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio or your favorite news source for vital weather-related information;
• · If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, etc.;
• · Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams;
• · Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. Never drive through flooded roadways. If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground;
• · Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, particularly during threatening conditions; and
• · Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• NYSDOT provides a free travel information system, 511NY, offering near real-time travel and road conditions. The service, available by calling 511 or by visiting www.511NY.org, provides information on lane and road closures, as well as links to transit and air travel schedules and delays. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can be especially helpful to travelers during weather events.

NY-ALERT provides severe weather alerts from the five National Weather Service offices covering the Empire State. Visit www.nyalert.gov to subscribe to this free alerting system.

###