STATE EP Alert 2.22.26
Major Winter Storm Event
The Department of Health (DOH / the Department) has issued a Major Winter Storm Alert for February 22-23, 2026. A significant winter storm is forecast to impact the Capital District and Metropolitan Area Regions beginning Sunday, February 22, 2026, and continuing into Monday. Snowfall totals exceeding 12 inches are expected in several regions. Blizzard Warnings have been issued for New York City and Long Island, with Winter Storm Warnings and Watches in effect for the Lower Hudson Valley.
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Key Regional Impacts
Lower Hudson Valley and NYC/Long Island
Snow is expected to begin Sunday afternoon, with heavy snowfall continuing through the Monday morning commute. Snowfall rates may reach 2–3 inches per hour, creating dangerous or potentially impassable travel conditions. Total accumulations of 12–18 inches are anticipated, with sustained winds of 35–40 mph and gusts exceeding 55 mph Sunday evening and overnight.
Providers should finalize staffing contingency plans, arrange for additional coverage as needed, and ensure adequate on-site supplies in the event staff are unable to travel or must remain beyond scheduled shifts. Heavy snow and high winds may also result in downed trees and power outages.
Coastal Flood and Gale Watches are in effect for Long Island. Moderate coastal flooding of up to three feet is possible during Sunday night’s high tide. Facilities should consult the NWS NYC Coastal Flooding page for site-specific projections.
Encourage staff and patients to prepare by educating themselves before an incident affects them. See the HCP Emergency Management Video focused on flooding.
Capital District Region
Snowfall totals of 2–6 inches are forecast by the end of Monday, with Winter Storm Watches and Warnings posted for portions of the Upper Hudson Valley and Capital District. Wind gusts up to 40 mph may cause downed tree limbs and power lines.
HCS Emergency Applications
The Health Commerce System (HCS) is used for critical communications and data collection during emergencies. Be sure staff HCS accounts are up-to-date and active. Outdated home care agency contact information is an ongoing problem reported by the Department.
Access to the following HCS applications is crucial:
- The HCS Communications Directory
- The Health Electronic Response Data System (HERDS)
- eFINDS Patient and Resident Tracking application (hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities)
Department of Health Guidance
Each year, the Department of Health (DOH/the Department) issues its annual Health Care Facility Guidance for the winter storm season, offering general information for all providers, as well as a section devoted to those serving home care and hospice patients.
HCP encourages our provider members to carefully review the notice in full and to share relevant information with staff and patients. Ensuring their safety is a top priority, especially as winter weather frequently impacts travel and living conditions across many areas of our state. The best way to accomplish this and maintain continuity of operations is to practice early preparation.
Guidance for Home Care Providers
Home care providers must review patient care needs and ensure that Level 1 cases are visited before an event or at least as early as possible in the course of bad winter weather. Remind all patients of important contacts in the event of power outages and/or medical emergencies. Check on patients before, during, and after a storm to ensure their safety and health are maintained. Be familiar with your organization’s policies and procedures to manage patients who refuse to evacuate.
Provide patients with the phone number of the local Office of Emergency Management (OEM). They can contact their OEM if life threatening power outages are a concern.
Staff and patients should have ample supplies to cover at least a 24-hour period before a storm, as well as a 72-hour period after the weather event subsides. This includes generator fuel for those dependent on power. Be mindful that supply deliveries can be delayed.
If travel remains difficult after the storm, agencies are advised to prioritize patients and adjust staff schedules based on proximity to assignments. Limit travel and stress staff safety. Be prepared to contact staffing services to cover cases if a large number of staff members are unable to travel to perform their duties.
Emergency Management Guidance for All Providers
Consult and review your agency’s emergency response and evacuation plan as soon as possible to ensure all policies and procedures are up to date. Ensure staff are aware of these procedures, and check that all contact information is current for staff and local emergency management partners. Be prepared to activate the plan if necessary.
HCP cannot stress this enough:
It is CRITICAL that your emergency contact 24/7 information is accurate in the Health Commerce System! Do not use a general office number or extension for this contact. DO provide a mobile number for the person at your organization that is responsible for responding to the Department before, during, and after an incident.
- For winter weather events, pay particular attention to:
- Adequacy of redundant communication methods
- Regularity of staff and patient messaging
- Ability to provide supplies and assistance for stranded workers
- Adequacy of staff coverage for patient needs through the storm recovery period
- Emergency power for dependent patients and continuity of operations
During business hours, report issues and support needs to your local NYSDOH regional office and to your local Office of Emergency Management (OEM). After hours, contact the local OEM and the DOH Duty Officer phone line at 866-881-2809.
New York City providers needing services or supplies can reach out to their local offices of emergency management as noted in their winter weather plan.
Never drive through standing water! Turn around and go another way. If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately. Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into floodwaters.
Overexertion is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following a winter weather event. Staff must be mindful of the extra burden placed on the heart during shoveling and clearing vehicles. Urge everyone to know their health status and respect their individual physical limitations.
Be sure staff and patients are aware of the signs of cold weather health problems. Hypothermia, frostnip, and superficial and deep frostbite can all result from exposure to low temperatures, often caused by inadequate clothing. Those experiencing numbness or pain in exposed areas must seek medical attention. Intense shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, and lack of coordination signal hypothermia, which is a medical emergency.
A Code Blue will automatically be in effect when the temperature and wind chill fall under 32°F.
