Latest news with #StateEmergencyOperationsCenter
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. Kathy Hochul extends New York weather state of emergency through July. Here's why
Gov. Kathy Hochul's state of emergency for 32 counties following New York's first major heatwave and a string of thunderstorms will be extended until July 22. Hochul issued the state of emergency Sunday as government officials across the state anticipated power outages and safety concerns due to both excessive heat making temperatures feel over 100 degrees or more Monday and Tuesday and weekend thunderstorms and winds that could affect northern regions of the state. Heat index values from 95 to 107 degrees made temperatures feel hotter across the Hudson Valley, with peak temperatures anticipated on Tuesday, June 24. Wednesday, June 25, will also see extreme heat with indexes near 96 and 97, but a chance of rain in the afternoon will alleviate some heat. "I urge all New Yorkers to stay weather aware and take precautions to stay vigilant and safe as extreme heat and severe weather are expected to continue impacting the state over the next couple of days," Hochul said in a news release. Beat the heat: Where are cooling centers available in the Lower Hudson Valley? See our list A spokesperson for Hochul's office said the state of emergency is in place until Tuesday, July 22, in order to give time for emergency services to respond to potential damage from thunderstorms and possible additional heat emergencies in early July. Westchester, Putnam and Rockland are included in the state of emergency, along with counties such as Albany, Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Queens, Richmond, Saratoga, Suffolk and Ulster. The State Emergency Operations Center said residents should remain alert, avoid flooded roadways, limit outdoor activities during peak heat and sign up for local emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to . Contributing: Michael Mckinney of Lohud and Victoria E. Freile of USA TODAY Network's New York Connect Team This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY weather state of emergency extended to July 22. Here's why
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
NY declares state of emergency as flooding, power outages and dangerous heat wave hit
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency across 32 counties in New York as the state faces a one-two punch of severe weather and a dangerous heatwave. Early Sunday, a line of intense thunderstorms swept across parts of the North Country, Central New York, the Southern Tier and the Capital Region. The storms brought damaging winds, torrential rain, flash flooding, downed trees, a deadly tornado and widespread power outages. Rainfall rates reached up to two inches per hour, with additional totals of 2 to 4 inches expected in areas already saturated. Flash flooding remains a serious threat in parts of Central New York, the Southern Tier, and the Mid-Hudson region, particularly from Broome to Ulster and Sullivan counties. As of midday Sunday, approximately 50,000 customers were without power statewide. Simultaneously, a multi-day heatwave is underway. Feels-like temperatures are expected to reach between 90 and 105 degrees through Tuesday across much of the state. 'Our hearts break for the tragic loss of life during last night's storms,' Hochul said. 'We are coordinating closely with local officials and have state emergency crews already on the ground.' In response, the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated. State agencies, including the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, are deploying resources such as light towers, pumps, generators and water rescue teams to impacted areas. Residents are urged to remain alert, avoid flooded roadways, limit outdoor activities during peak heat and sign up for local emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to . Counties under the State of Emergency include: Albany, Bronx, Broome, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Kings, Madison, Nassau, New York, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Suffolk, Tioga, Ulster, Warren, Washington and Westchester. The most intense heat is expected to peak on Monday, with temperatures and humidity combining for as high as 110°F in some areas and closer to 105°F in other parts of the Empire State, according to the National Weather Service. Conditions will remain hot on Tuesday, with highs still in the 90s and the heat index predicted to surpass 100 in some parts of the Southern Tier and Central New York, but temperatures are expected to cool down starting Wednesday. Much of New York is under a heat advisory through Tuesday evening, according to the Weather Service. Several Southern Tier and Central New York counties are under an extreme heat warning through Monday evening. In those spots - including Onondaga, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Tioga and Broome counties - "dangerously hot conditions" are predicted Monday, with heat index predicted to reach up to 110. In Rochester, the high reached 90 degrees on Sunday, which marked the warmest day of 2025 to date, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo. It also reached 90 degrees in Poughkeepsie, 88 degrees in Syracuse as well as Central Park in New York City, 84 degrees in Albany and 82 degrees in Buffalo, according to Weather Service data. It reached 91 degrees at JFK International Airport in Queens and in Islip, Suffolk County, on Long Island. The high in parts of western New York is predicted to reach the mid-90s Sunday By midweek, many areas could see a return to more typical summer temperatures in the low to mid-80s, according to forecasters. Extended periods of high heat and humidity can cause heat-related illnesses, particularly for: Young children Older adults People with chronic health conditions Those without access to air conditioning Stay hydrated and indoors where it's air-conditioned. Avoid peak heat hours by scheduling outdoor activities for early morning or evening. Never leave children or pets in vehicles, even briefly. Check on neighbors and family, especially those without cooling. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including confusion, dizziness, or rapid pulse. Call 911 immediately if symptoms appear. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY state of emergency: Flooding, power outages, and heat wave hit
NDTV
15-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Minnesota Lawmaker Killing: US Police Find "Hit List" In Suspect's Car
Minnesota, US: The shooter who killed Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, left behind a manifesto targeting pro-choice Democratic lawmakers. The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, also injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in a separate attack. He remains at large as authorities intensify a statewide manhunt. Boelter, who was impersonating a police officer, used a fake police vehicle with flashing lights to gain access to the victims' homes early Saturday morning. The manifesto, recovered from his vehicle, listed prominent Democratic leaders who support pro-choice policies. They also found handwritten papers marked "No Kings," pointing to possible anti-government or anti-establishment motives. "When we did a search of the vehicle, there was a manifesto that identified many lawmakers and other officials," Brooklyn Park police chief Mark Bruley said, as per AP. "We immediately made alerts to the state and provided security where necessary." The attacks began around 2 am in Champlin, where a 911 call led officers to discover Senator Hoffman and his wife suffering from gunshot wounds. Both underwent emergency surgery and are currently recovering. An hour and a half after that, Brooklyn Park officers, acting proactively, went to Ms Hortman's home. There they encountered Boelter, who was dressed as an officer and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Ms Hortman, 55, was pronounced dead at home, while her husband, Mark Hortman, 58, later died at North Memorial Hospital. Following the shootings, a shelter-in-place alert was issued for a 3-mile radius near Edinburgh Golf Course. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed the deaths in a press briefing, describing the incident as a "coordinated and targeted attack on elected officials." He urged residents to stay away from all political rallies until the suspect is apprehended. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner confirmed that both Hortmans died from multiple gunshot wounds. Brooklyn Park Police are leading the investigation, supported by the FBI and the State Emergency Operations Center, which has been activated in response. Vance Boelter, a former appointee to Minnesota's bipartisan workforce development board under Governors Mark Dayton and Tim Walz, served until his term expired in 2023. By the afternoon, authorities had searched multiple locations connected to the case, including a home in Minneapolis. At 3 pm, Boelter was officially named a suspect and a $50,000 FBI reward was announced for information leading to his arrest.
International Business Times
14-06-2025
- Politics
- International Business Times
Who Was Melissa Hortman? Minnesota Democratic Lawmaker and Her Husband Killed While Sen. John Hoffman Is Shot by Madman Posing as Cop
A Minnesota state legislator was shot dead and another was seriously wounded early Saturday in what police suspect were deliberate attacks at the homes of the Democratic state officials, according to reports. Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed when a gunman posing as a police officer arrived at their home in Brooklyn Park, Governor Tim Walz announced during a press conference. Meanwhile, fellow party member Sen. John Hoffman was shot roughly 8 miles away in Champlin, sources told 5 Eyewitness News. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the unidentified suspect, who was last seen wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue trousers. Madman on Killing Spree "We're here today because an unspeakable tragedy has unfolded," Walz said, adding, "State Representative Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, was assassinated, and her husband, Mark, was also killed." John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times while inside their home in Champlin. Walz said that both have undergone surgery but are still in critical condition. A desperate manhunt, with help from the FBI, is now underway as investigators suspect that two people may have been involved in the early morning attacks. Officials said at a Saturday morning press briefing that no arrests had been made, but several "persons of interest" had been taken in for questioning. The first shooting happened shortly after 2 a.m. at Hoffman's home in Champlin, about 20 miles from Minneapolis. A man and a woman were shot multiple times, though their current conditions remain unclear, according to KSTP. The second attack took place around 4 a.m., roughly eight miles to the south, at Representative Hortman's home in Brooklyn Park. One man was shot several times, but his medical status has not been confirmed, The Sun reported. Following the shooting at Hortman's house, officials said police engaged one of the suspects in the street, leading to a shootout. Drew Evans, head of the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that the suspect managed to escape during the exchange of gunfire and is still on the run. Related Incidents of Targeted Attack Officials suspect that both incidents are connected and involve a perpetrator pretending to be a police officer. Walz has spoken out on social media, denouncing the "targeted attacks" and announcing that the State Emergency Operations Center is being activated as authorities intensify their search for the suspect. "I've been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park," Walz wrote on X. "I've activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them. We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon," the Governor wrote. The suspect was described by police as a white man with brown hair, dressed in black body armor layered over a blue shirt and blue pants. Brooklyn Park Police issued a shelter-in-place alert around 5:30 a.m. which was later extended to cover a three-mile area surrounding the Edinburgh Golf Course. A second emergency alert was sent out around 7 a.m., urging residents not to open their doors unless two officers were present and to call 911 to confirm the identity of any law enforcement personnel.
Leader Live
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
US state politician and husband killed in ‘targeted' attacks on two Democrats
A second state politician, senator John Hoffman, and his wife were shot and wounded in the 'targeted' attack in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota on Saturday, said governor Tim Walz. I've activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them. We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon. — Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 14, 2025 'We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,' Mr Walz said at a press conference on Saturday. 'Those responsible for this will be held accountable.' Ms Hortman was the top House Democratic leader in the state legislature and a former house speaker. She was first elected in 2004, was a lawyer and married with two children. Mr Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012 and runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm. He previously served as vice-chairman of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota. Mr Hoffman is married and has one daughter. Both Ms Hortman and Mr Hoffman represented districts located north of Minneapolis. Authorities were actively searching for a suspect in the hours following the shootings. Public safety commissioner Bob Johnson said the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer. Hundreds of police and sheriff deputies from departments in the region, some in tactical gear with assault style weapons were scattered through the town. Occasional police roadblocks had been set up where cars were stopped and checked. Police later recovered writings that mentioned the names of multiple legislators and other officials in a fake police car they believe the suspect used in the shooting. Officials say both Ms Hortman and Mr Hoffman were mentioned in the suspect's writings. Brooklyn Park Police chief Mark Bruley said: 'When we did a search of the vehicle, there was a manifesto that identified many lawmakers and other officials. 'We immediately made alerts to the state. We took action on alerting them and providing security where necessary.' Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said post-mortem examinations will be carried out to determine extent of injuries, but added that Ms Hortman and her spouse died from gunshot wounds. Mr Bruley said the suspect fled out of the back of Ms Hortman's house after an exchange of gunfire with police. The suspect was dressed like a uniformed officer and operating a vehicle that 'looked exactly like an SUV squad car,' he said. 'It was equipped with lights, emergency lights and looked exactly like a police vehicle.' Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said in a White House statement that the FBI would join in the investigation. 'Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. 'Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!' Minnesota House speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican from Cold Spring, called the attack 'evil' and said she was 'heartbroken beyond words' by the killings of Ms Hortman and her husband, Mark. 'With the law enforcement response ongoing and details still emerging, I will simply ask all Minnesotans to please lift up in prayer the victims of this horrific attack, as well as the law enforcement personnel still working to apprehend the perpetrator,' Ms Demuth said in a statement. The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated during a time of deep political divisions. Giffords, the national gun violence prevention organisation led by former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement. 'I am horrified and heartbroken by last night's attack on two patriotic public servants,' Ms Giffords said. 'My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. 'Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.' Ms Giffords was shot in the head in 2011 by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others. She stepped down from congress in January 2012 to focus on her recovery.
