A large winter storm is on its way to the Capital Region just in time for one of the busiest travel days of the year.

NewsChannel 13 spoke with New York State’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSES) for tips on how drivers can stay safe.

Terence O’Leary is the executive deputy commissioner for DHSES, and he said that people traveling these next few days should make sure they are prepared before heading out.

“If you’re in the higher elevations in the Catskills, in the North Country, Mohawk Valley, you might see significant snow that may even lead to power outages. So, what we suggest people do before you travel, go to 511NY.org. It will show you road conditions. It will show you if there are closures, it will show you what the weather’s like,” O’Leary said.

O’Leary also urged drivers traveling near snowplows to stay vigilant.

“Don’t get caught off guard. If you are going to travel and if there are snow plows out, please let the plows do their work. Give the plows room. Try not to pass the plows the safest place to be is right behind the plow. If someone gets in front of a plow and causes an accident, the plow can’t plow the road,” said O’Leary.

Watch Zach Richter’s story above to get a look inside New York State’s Watch Center.