URGENT UPDATE: A powerful winter storm has impacted communities across upstate New York in recent days, prompting immediate responses from local and state emergency managers. The University at Albany is at the forefront, assisting with real-time weather tracking to ensure safety during these hazardous conditions.
The New York State Weather Risk Communication Center is actively converting complex data into actionable reports, aimed at helping officials respond effectively. Center director Nick Bassill stated, “We generally create really detailed weather briefings that we distribute to the state’s emergency management sector.” This includes vital information on air quality, drought reports, and alerts from the National Weather Service.
Working seven days a week, students and faculty members are committed to providing tailored weather updates. Lead meteorologist Allison Finch emphasized the importance of their efforts, saying, “Those are the different colors associated with every National Weather Service product out there. So, we can get a sense of sort of the who, what, where, when of different weather affecting the state.”
The center’s tracking capabilities are not just numbers—they translate into real-world impacts, from heavy snowfalls to strong winds and storm damages across New York. Bassill underscored the significance of their work: “That allows the state or county or whoever you’re talking about in the public sector to be able to respond to that better, and then make informed decisions that protect lives and property.”
As the storm continues to sweep through the region, the team is already preparing for the next weather event. Finch noted, “Today, we’re looking at what is the storm that just happened overnight, continuing to do today. Recapping it a little bit, calling out those peak ice totals or gusty winds.” Their foresight is crucial as lake-effect snow is expected to persist throughout the week.
With severe weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, the role of the Albany team is more critical than ever. Their commitment to emergency preparedness is helping to safeguard communities throughout New York, reinforcing the importance of timely and accurate weather information.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops. Share this information to keep others informed about the ongoing winter storm challenges in upstate New York.
