MAYOR DE BLASIO URGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR NOR’EASTER ON TUESDAY

Blizzard Warning in effect from late Monday night through late Tuesday night

New York City Public Schools closed Tuesday, March 14

   Mayor de Blasio just updated New Yorkers on the upcoming winter storm. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning in effect from late Monday night through late Tuesday night. The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a hazardous travel advisory for Tuesday, March 14. A nor’easter is forecast to bring heavy snow along with strong, potentially damaging winds and widespread minor to locally moderate flooding along the most vulnerable coastlines and shore roads. The latest forecasts anticipate approximately 12 to 18 inches of snow accumulation.

“This will be a dangerous storm with heavy snowfall and strong winds,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We are urging all New Yorkers to avoid unnecessary travel on Tuesday – if you can, stay home. If you have to travel, use mass transit and be prepared for delays.”

“NYC Emergency Management will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center this evening to coordinate the City’s preparation and response to the storm,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “We’re working with dozens of our City, state, federal, and private-sector partners to monitor conditions and keep New Yorkers safe throughout the storm.”

“Sanitation is ready to meet the challenges of the winter storm. As the first of the first responders, our 689 salt spreaders will be pre-deployed to treat roadways as soon as flakes fall.  They will be joined by more than 1,600 collection truck plows when the snow reaches a depth of 2 inches on the street,” said Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia.  “We’ve split our workforce into two, 12 hour shifts of 2,400 workers per shift in order to provide coverage to all five boroughs around the clock.  We do ask that you stay off the roads as much as possible and not crowd our plows. This will enable crews to navigate more safely around the city.”

Latest Forecast

A Blizzard Warning is in effect for New York City from late Monday night through lateTuesday night.  Light snow is expected to begin late Monday night, and will intensify overnight into early Tuesday morning. The heaviest snowfall is expected Tuesday morning through the afternoon, with rates as much as 2 to 4 inches per hour possible. Strong winds are expected to accompany the heavy snowfall, with wind speeds 20 – 30 mph, and gusts 35 – 50 mph, creating hazardous travel conditions.  The snowfall is expected to taper off Tuesdayevening. A total accumulation of 12 to 18 inches is anticipated, but locally higher amounts are possible.

The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.Tuesday for Manhattan, areas near the coastline in Brooklyn and Staten Island, and areas along the southern shores of Queens.  A Coastal Flood Advisory is also in effect from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday for The Bronx and areas along the northern shores of Queens. Minor to moderate flooding of the most vulnerable shore roads and/or properties is possible. Coastal residents should be alert for updates and take action to protect property.

Schools 

• All New York City public schools will be closed on Tuesday. After-school programs, adult education, YABC programs, and PSAL activities are also canceled.

Parking and Trash Collection

• Alternate Side Parking is suspended Tuesday, March 14 and Wednesday, March 15, to facilitate snow removal operations. Parking meters remain in effect throughout the City.

• Garbage/recycling/organics collections are suspended to facilitate snow removal.

Travel

• Motorists are advised to stay off the roads. If you must travel allow for extra time, use mass transportation whenever possible, and anticipate delays. New Yorkers are also urged to exercise caution and minimize walking outdoors during the storm.

Ferry and Citi Bike Service

• The Staten Island Ferry is expected to run on a normal schedule, but all passengers should allow extra time should weather conditions impact the schedule.

• Citi Bike service will be suspended at 11:00 p.m. Monday until further notice.

New York City continues its extensive preparedness efforts.  Below is a summary of agency specific preparedness activities.

Heat and Hot Water

• Any tenant lacking heat and hot water should immediately call 311. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development has crews responding.

• New York City continues its extensive preparedness efforts.  Below is a summary of agency specific preparedness activities.

311

·311 has staffed an additional 40 workers to facilitate calls on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and additional 20 workers from 12 a.m. through 7 a.m. Wednesday.

·Customers can reach 311 through 6 channels: Call center, 311 Online, Chat, 311-692 text, NYC311 Mobile App, and 311 Social Media. 

DSNY

• The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has pre-deployed 689 salt spreaders across the five boroughs. PlowNYC will be activated and more than 1600 plows will be dispatched when more than two inches of snow accumulates. Plowing progress can be followed via PlowNYC at nyc.gov/plownyc.

• DSNY has assigned 2,400 workers per shift. Workers were assigned to 12 hour shiftsMonday.

• DSNY has 283,000 tons of rock salt available.

DOT

• DOT has deployed crews to pre-treat pedestrian overpasses and step streets, and to ensure that ferry terminals are pre-salted in advance of any snow.

• DOT crews will use anti-icing trucks on the East River Bridges to keep the road decks passable and will also clear snow as needed.

• During snow operations, DOT typically deploys more than 500 personnel and more than 300 pieces of equipment, including nearly 80 trucks for plowing over several shifts.

• DOT has suspended all over-dimensional truck permits for Monday night andTuesday.

• The Long Island Expressway (LIE) HOV Bus Lane will not be in service on Tuesday, March 14.

NYC Emergency Management

• NYC Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor the storm’s track to determine the impacts to New York City.

• NYC Emergency Management will activate the City’s Emergency Operations CenterMonday at 9 p.m. with approximately 90 representatives per shift representing 34 city, state, and federal agency partners.

• NYC Emergency Management ‘s EOC will be staffed by approximately 90 people per shift, representing 34 agencies and stakeholders.

• City Task Forces for fuel, generators/de-watering, commodities distribution, health/medical, food access, debris management, and downed trees have notified and are monitoring the storm.

• NYC Emergency Management has begun extensive outreach to elected officials with the latest information regarding the storm’s track and potential impact to the City.

Homeless Services

• A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature drops to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., including National Weather Service calculations for wind chill values. 

• No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. Should you see a homeless individual out in the cold, please call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched to offer assistance.

• Code Blue Weather Emergencies include the following options for the homeless: shelters, drop-in centers, safe havens and stabilization beds, and street homeless outreach.

DOB

• DOB has advised property owners, contractors, and crane operators to take precautionary measures during the storm.

• The Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the City. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action –issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

DEP

• The Department of Environmental Prevention has deployed crews to inspect and clear catch basins at known flooding locations prior to the storm. All scheduled water shutdowns – water meter and boiler inspections – have been canceled Tuesday.

• DEP has secured all construction sites in anticipation of high wind speeds.

FDNY

• An additional 500+ FDNY members will be operating during the storm, including 130 ambulances citywide and an additional Firefighter on all Engine Companies.

• Five high-axle vehicles, staffed with firefighters, will be deployed to each borough.

• Additional Rescue and Squad companies will be staffed.

• FDNY has 12 rapid response vehicles and 8 brush fire units which will respond to emergencies with existing fire companies.

• Staffing increased on Marine companies and special units, and additional Chiefs have been assigned to operate citywide including the rockaways and Staten Island.

NYCHA

• NYCHA will monitor heat and hot water at its facilities and has mobilized equipment in advance of tomorrow’s storm.

• More than 3,000 workers mobilized to begin snow removal at 6 a.m. tomorrow.

Parks

• Due to high winds and low visibility, New Yorkers are urged to stay out of City parkson Tuesday, March, 14. Parks’ recreation centers will be closed Tuesday, March 14.

• The Parks department will provide 44 plows to assist DSNY with snow removal operations. Parks has assigned workers to 12 hour shifts.

• Approximately 1000 staff, 300 vehicles and 100 pieces of mechanized equipment will be prepared for snow removal in and around City parks.

• In preparation for coastal flooding, Parks will install storm panels in the baffle walls at Rockaway Beach between Beach 127 and 149 Street. In Staten Island, Parks will monitor beach berms. In The Bronx, sandbags are being placed along Orchard Beach.

DFTA

• Additional meals have been delivered to meal clients for Tuesday and Wednesday. Meal delivery service is scheduled to resume on Thursday, March 16.

• Senior centers are closed on Tuesday, March 14. New Yorkers are asked to check on their neighbors, friends, and relatives — especially the elderly and those with disabilities and access and functional needs.

Heat and Hot Water

• Any tenant lacking heat and hot water should immediately call 311. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development has crews responding.

STAY SAFE

NYCEM encourages New Yorkers to take the following steps to prepare ahead of the storm:

• New Yorkers are advised to stay indoors during severe winter weather or dangerous cold. 

• New Yorkers should avoid all necessary travel. If you have to travel, use mass transit. If you must drive a vehicle, monitor weather and traffic reports for the latest road conditions. Drive slowly. Posted speed limits are for ideal weather conditions.

• Report immediately any loss of heat or hot water to your building superintendent, property manager or owner

• Residents should also check on their neighbors, friends, and relatives, especially the elderly and those with disabilities, and access and functional needs during periods of extreme cold.

• Check on neighbors who might need extra help. Help them get to a warm place, like a relative’s home. Call 911 if you see someone with signs of hypothermia.

• Stay with family or friends or go to a NYC warming center, if one is open near you, until heat is restored.  Call 311 to see if a warming center near you is open.

• Make sure your home has a working smoke alarm.

• If you must go outside, take steps to stay safe and warm .

• Wear layers of warm clothing and cover exposed skin.

• Take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls from icy conditions; older adults are particularly at risk for injury from slips and falls.