BUFFALO, N.Y. — The National Guard has arrived in Western New York to help with the emergency response to the historic storm hitting Western New York.
On Saturday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that 50 National Guard soldiers were sent Friday evening to Buffalo and the surrounding areas that have been hammered by the blizzard.
With temperatures remaining below freezing, Hochul urged New Yorkers to stay home.
"New Yorkers are used to winter storms, but this one packed a punch and caused complete whiteout conditions in Western New York however, additional help is on the way," Hochul said.
"Our state agency personnel and local emergency responders have been coordinating throughout the storm and we thank them for being away from their families this holiday weekend as they work to keep our communities safe. Please stay home today if you are in areas experiencing blizzard like conditions and know that roads will be icy across the state as we continue to experience freezing temperatures in the teens and single digits."
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The National Guard has arrived in Buffalo and anyone that needs help or assistance can call 716-585-7669. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz clarified at a press conference on Saturday that the National Guard would be used to responded to life threatening, but not immediate dangers, such as someone needed to get to dialysis or cancer treatment.
People in need of life saving help that isn't an immediate threat can call 716-858-SNOW. That number is not for people who are stranded in their cars to call. Poloncarz reported they are getting 400 calls an hour to that number and it is preventing them from helping people the line is set up to help.
"Remain vigilant today as temperatures continue to stay well below freezing across the state. Take all necessary precautions if leaving home, check your local forecast and pay close attention to travel restrictions from local officials. Utility crews are working across the state to restore widespread power outages throughout the weekend. State agencies are also sending additional help to areas most in need. No matter where you live it will be dangerously cold, so check on your neighbors and loved ones this weekend," New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said.
The following additional resources have been sent to the area:
Across the State's Ten Stockpiles, DHSES has the following deployable items to support storm-related needs:
- 1,487 generators
- 985 pumps
- 528 chainsaws
- 250 light towers
- Cots, pillows, blankets, water, and MREs
The personnel and assets from the National Guard deployment include:
- 18 general purpose soldiers with 5 humvees
- 14 military police with 2 humvees and 2 LMTVs
- 21 engineers with a 2.5 yard loader, 3 skid steers, and 3 dump trucks
Western New York
- 3 plow trucks from Central New York
- 2 plow trucks, 2 snow blowers, and 1 grader from the Finger Lakes
- 4 operators and 2 plow trucks the Western Southern Tier
- 26 operators, 2 supervisors, and 1 assistant manager from the Mid-Hudson Region
- 10 operators, 1 supervisor, and 3 plow trucks from the Southern Tier
- 19 operators and 1 supervisor from Long Island
- 1 ICS specialist from the Capital District