Emergency orders in states affected by winter storm

Emergency orders have been declared in several states due to record snowfall and arctic temperatures from winter storm Blair.

As much as 18 inches of snow was recorded in the Midwest, while winter storm warnings remained in effect from the Ohio Valley through the Mid-Atlantic as of Monday, Jan. 6.

Emergency declarations issued in Kentucky, Missouri and New York include regulatory waivers for the transportation of fuel and/or fuel products.

Missouri emergency

Vehicles used in support of the transportation of residential heating fuels are exempt from hours-of-service requirements until Sunday, Jan. 12 under the order issued by state officials.

No other petroleum products or other fuels are covered by the exemption and suspension under this order.

“The ongoing forecasted severe winter storm systems have caused, or have the potential to cause, damages associated with rain, freezing rain, snow, sleet, ice and low temperatures, impacting communities throughout the state,” the Missouri emergency declaration said.

This relief applies to interstate, state and local county roads. Drivers are not required to carry a copy of the order.

Many roads remain covered this morning. If you saw winter weather, avoid travel if at all possible. Do your part to keep you, our workers, law enforcement and first responders safe. If you must be out, drive for conditions and buckle up, phone down. https://t.co/fvVRsDlqzr 🌨️ pic.twitter.com/akWz8zKQQ0

— MoDOT (@MoDOT) January 6, 2025

Kentucky relief

A prolonged period of below-freezing temperatures prompted the emergency declaration in Kentucky that will remain in effect through Jan. 16.

Vehicles transporting propane, fuel oil and kerosene as well as those providing relief and vital products to the affected area are granted relief from hours-of-service requirements and stoppage at weigh stations.

Direct assistance includes, but is not limited to, fuels, food, water, non-alcoholic beverages, medical supplies and feed for livestock and poultry.

❄️Update

Eastern KY counties are battling heavy snow (7+ inches), freezing rain, and now 1-2 more inches expected today with 25 mph wind gusts. Crews are working hard, but roads remain hazardous with downed trees/power lines.

🚨 Avoid non-essential travel 🚨 Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/p2HiUBD7hx

— KYTC District 12 (@KYTCDistrict12) January 6, 2025

New York supply chain

The emergency order in New York state was enacted due to compounding statewide impacts of severe winter conditions and supply chain logistics impediments affecting delivery logistics of vital heating fuels to homes, businesses, power generation facilities and alternative/interruptible fuel customers.

As such, hours-of-service requirements have been modified:

• The 70-hour maximum on-duty period in eight days is modified to 84 hours.
• The 60-hour maximum on-duty period in seven days is modified to 74 hours.
• The 14-hour maximum workday is modified to 16 hours.
• The 34-hour restart provision is modified to 24 hours.
• On-duty time for the purposes of computation of the 60/70 or 14-hour rules shall not include time spent waiting in a commercial motor vehicle while on the property of a shipper or carrier, loading point, unloading point or terminal immediately subsequent to or preceding loading/unloading operations.

Oneida East snowblower crews clearing snow on NY 12/365 ramps in the town of Trenton. Reports of over 50” of snow! If you must travel, please give our crews room to work and #dontcrowdtheplow pic.twitter.com/8d5pWWIVyM

— NYSDOT Mohawk Valley (@NYSDOTUtica) January 5, 2025

The New York order is effective through Friday, Jan. 10. LL

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