New York Declares Disaster Emergency Due to Nor'easter

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State Disaster Emergency, effective February 22, 2026, and filed on February 23, 2026, due to a severe nor'easter causing hazardous conditions across 22 counties and contiguous areas. This Executive Order (No. 58) directs state agencies to implement the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, suspend certain procurement laws (State Finance Law §97-G, General Municipal Law §5-A, State Finance Law §112, State Finance Law §163), and temporarily suspend Federal Motor Carrier Hours of Service rules (49 CFR 390.23(b)) to expedite utility restoration.

The declaration requires immediate attention from state agencies to coordinate response and recovery efforts. Regulated entities, particularly transportation companies and those involved in utility restoration, should be aware of the temporary suspension of procurement rules, which allows for expedited purchasing of necessary goods and services. The order also provides relief from Federal Hours of Service regulations for utility power restoration crews entering New York. The disaster emergency is in effect through March 24, 2026.