Kathy Hochul Mobilizes New York Ahead of Winter Storm Fern
Governor Hochul's Urgent Winter Storm Update
Governor Kathy Hochul recently addressed New Yorkers, outlining robust state preparations as Winter Storm Fern unleashes its fury across the Northeast. With bitterly cold Arctic air already gripping the region, the massive system—spanning over 2,000 miles—promises at least 12 inches of snow statewide, potentially reaching 18 inches in northern and western areas, accompanied by sleet and ice buildup.[1][2]
Statewide Mobilization and Impacts
Responding to forecasts of heavy snowfall rates up to 2 inches per hour, especially in the Catskills and Twin Tiers, Hochul activated emergency resources including plows, salt trucks, and shelters. Central Park already recorded over 11 inches, breaking daily records, while LaGuardia Airport shut down and Citi Bike suspended operations amid hazardous conditions. Power outages affected thousands, with blowing snow expected to worsen travel Monday.[1][2][5]
Staying Safe in the Deep Freeze
As frigid temperatures persist into February without melting, Hochul urged residents to avoid roads, check on vulnerable neighbors, and heed warnings. This nor'easter has caused fatalities nationwide, emphasizing the need for vigilance. New York's proactive measures aim to mitigate disruptions from this historic storm.[1][4]
About the People Mentioned
Kathy Hochul
Kathy Hochul, born August 27, 1958, in Woodlawn, New York, is an American politician, attorney, and the 57th governor of New York since August 2021, marking her as the state's first female governor.[1][3][6] She earned a B.A. from Syracuse University and a J.D. from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.[3] Hochul's public service began on the Hamburg Town Board (1994–2007), where she supported small businesses.[2][4] She then served as Erie County deputy clerk (2003–2007) and clerk (2007–2011), during which she co-founded the Kathleen Mary House, a transitional home for domestic violence victims.[2] In 2011, she won a special election to represent New York's 26th congressional district as a Democrat, defeating Republican Jane Corwin despite a Republican-leaning district; she served one term (2011–2013) on the Armed Services and Homeland Security committees, advocating for the Affordable Care Act, tax reforms, women's rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and alternative energy.[1][2][3] She lost reelection in 2012 after redistricting.[2] Selected as running mate by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Hochul served as lieutenant governor (2015–2021), chairing the Regional Economic Development Councils, co-chairing the Heroin and Opioid Task Force, leading the "Enough is Enough" campaign against campus sexual assault, and advancing paid family leave, child care access, and gender equity initiatives.[1][2][4][5] She visited all 62 counties annually to engage local communities.[7] Hochul ascended to governor after Cuomo's August 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations, promising transparency and collaboration.[1] Elected to a full term in November 2022, she advanced stalled COVID-19 measures like vaccine mandates, renewable energy projects, abortion rights protections, gun safety laws, school aid, minimum-wage increases, and public transit funding.[1][4] Challenges included failed housing reforms and a rejected chief judge nominee in 2023, amid criticisms of developer ties.[1] As of recent accounts, she continues leading New York's economic recovery, infrastructure, and social policies.[4][7]
About the Organizations Mentioned
LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport (LGA), located in East Elmhurst, Queens, serves as a major hub for domestic short-haul flights, handling over 30 million passengers annually on 680 acres with 72 gates, just eight miles from Midtown Manhattan.[1][6] Operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey since 1947, it connects travelers efficiently to Northeast U.S. destinations under a 1,500-mile perimeter rule established in 1984.[3][4] The site's aviation roots trace to 1929, when the former Gala Amusement Park became Glenn H. Curtiss Airport (later North Beach Airport).[1][4][6] Visionary Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia catalyzed its transformation in 1934 after a publicity stunt refusing to deplane in Newark, demanding a true New York facility. Over $20 million (equivalent to billions today) funded a redesign, opening as New York Municipal Airport-LaGuardia Field on December 2, 1939, amid 325,000 spectators.[1][2][4] Renamed LaGuardia Airport in 1947, it pioneered innovations like the U.S.'s first STOLport in 1968 and jet operations in 1964, while serving WWII logistics and even the Brooklyn Dodgers.[3][5] Long criticized as America's worst airport for cramped, outdated terminals, LGA underwent an $8 billion redevelopment starting in 2016—the first full U.S. airport rebuild in 25 years—consolidating four terminals into modern hubs.[1][7] Completed by 2025, the project delivered state-of-the-art facilities with light-filled spaces, local concessions, public art, advanced tech, and seamless roadways, earning Terminal B the title of world's best new airport terminal.[7][8] Financed partly by private partners, it now exemplifies efficient, passenger-centric design, boosting business travel and tech-integrate
Citi Bike
**Citi Bike** is New York City's premier docked bikeshare system, offering traditional and electric bikes at over 1,800 stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Jersey City, and Hoboken, enabling millions of sustainable urban trips annually without taxpayer subsidies.[1][3] Launched in 2013 after a 2010 feasibility study and RFP by NYC's Department of Transportation, Citi Bike was operated initially by NYC Bike Share (an Alta subsidiary) under a Citibank sponsorship that named the system. It rapidly scaled to become the U.S.'s largest bikeshare by bikes, stations, and rides, bucking national declines with record growth.[1] Lyft later took over operations in this public-private partnership, funding expansions through memberships, fees, ads, and sponsorships while NYC provides only street space.[1][3][4] Key achievements include surpassing 30 million trips in 2022—nearly double the next five U.S. systems combined—and maintaining highs amid expansions.[1] The fleet of 27,000 bikes (thousands electric) is serviced by nearly 1,000 staff, handling 86,000 monthly repairs (two bikes per minute).[3] Environmentally, it avoids 1.8 million pounds of carbon emissions monthly, combating transport's top GHG source in New York State.[3] Open data feeds and monthly reports to NYC DOT foster innovation for developers and analysts.[5][7] Currently, Citi Bike thrives with nearly 1,700+ stations and ongoing growth: 250 new ones planned for the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, plus e-bike upgrades and charging infrastructure.[2][3] Pricing adjusts in 2026 for reliability amid rising costs—annual memberships rise to $239 (Jan 28), e-bike fees to $0.27/min (Jan 5)—with business subsidies at $191/year for employers, offering unlimited classic rides and perk
