New York declares statewide emergency as winter storm bears down

New York Gov. Hochul declared a statewide state of emergency ahead of a major snowstorm, enabling rapid deployment of plows, salt, and other resources and coordinating with NYC on preparations. Early voting in NYC’s three special elections is suspended this weekend, while Westchester County also issued a separate five-day emergency. Officials urge residents to stock up, stay indoors when possible, and prepare for dangerously cold conditions, with extensive cold-weather operations including thousands of plows and utility workers on standby.