Home » NYC braces for major snowstorm, cold snap, urges residents to prepare

NYC braces for major snowstorm, cold snap, urges residents to prepare

New York City has prepared for a major winter storm expected to hit on Sunday, January 19, with snowfall, icy conditions, and dangerously low temperatures expected to follow.

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New York City has prepared for a major winter storm expected to hit on Sunday, January 19, with snowfall, icy conditions, and dangerously low temperatures expected to follow.

The city’s Emergency Management Department issued an alert for the storm, predicting 2 to 5 inches of snow accumulation by Sunday afternoon, with potentially higher totals depending on the storm’s track. By Monday, temperatures are set to drop below freezing, potentially leading to hazardous travel conditions as wet surfaces and melting snow refreeze.

As temperatures plummet through the weekend, wind chills could dip to the single digits or lower, prompting NYC Emergency Management to activate Cold Weather Alerts to protect vulnerable populations, especially those experiencing homelessness. “Our city agencies are ready to answer the call and keep New Yorkers safe as we expect extremely colder temperatures and snowfall over the next several days,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “We’re expecting snow Sunday and a cold snap hitting the city tomorrow night through Wednesday. To keep streets safe and clean, city agencies will be implementing snow clearing protocol and reaching out to connect unsheltered New Yorkers to shelters.”

Zach Iscol, NYC Emergency Management Commissioner, urged residents to prepare for hazardous travel conditions. “This weekend’s snowstorm is expected to bring snow and extreme cold to our city,” Iscol said. “We urge New Yorkers to take this storm seriously and prepare for hazardous travel conditions. If you must travel, use mass transit if possible, and allow for extra time.”

The Department of Sanitation is also gearing up for the storm, with Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan noting the scale of the snowstorm. “We have already fought four snow events this winter, using tens of millions of pounds of salt and hundreds of thousands of gallons of brine to make sure that streets and bike lanes are safe and passable, but this snowfall is predicted to be significantly larger,” Lojan said. He emphasized that 2,500 plows and 700 salt spreaders are ready to work on 12-hour shifts across the city’s 19,000 lane-miles of roadway. “We’ll be out there doing what needs to be done so that the rest of the City can enjoy a safe holiday weekend – please do your part by staying off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”

In response to the weather conditions, the NYC Emergency Management has activated its Winter Weather Emergency Plan. The Department of Sanitation is prepared with a fleet of over 700 spreaders and has issued a Snow Alert, collaborating closely with NYC Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation to implement snow-clearing protocols. Up to 20 million pounds of salt may be deployed, and streets will be cleared once snow accumulates to two inches. Sanitation trucks will track operations in real-time using the new Bladerunner 2.0 platform, ensuring an efficient response.

Additionally, building owners are reminded to maintain indoor temperatures of at least 68 degrees during the day and 62 degrees overnight when temperatures fall below 55 degrees outside. If tenants experience heat issues, they can file complaints through 311.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) will issue Code Blue Weather Alerts for vulnerable New Yorkers, offering enhanced outreach efforts to connect those experiencing homelessness with shelter. During an Enhanced Code Blue, teams will increase their engagement efforts to ensure individuals stay safe in extreme conditions.

New Yorkers are urged to take several precautions during the winter storm. “Stay informed” by signing up for Notify NYC, the city’s emergency notification system, and monitor weather updates regularly. Dress warmly, covering exposed skin, and avoid strenuous activity outdoors if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Additionally, it’s important to check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with disabilities, to ensure they are prepared.

For those traveling, the city advises extra travel time, use of public transportation, and keeping an emergency kit in vehicles. In case of a power outage, New Yorkers should report issues immediately to their power provider.

Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of community support: “Remember, if you see someone sleeping out in the cold, call 311. Outreach teams will get them assistance and find them somewhere warm to go.” To stay informed, New Yorkers can sign up for Notify NYC for the latest alerts and updates during the storm.

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