NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY FEBRUARY 12

Winter Weather Advisory in Effect for New York City on Tuesday

Snow, Sleet, and Rain may Cause Significant Travel Difficulties

The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a travel advisory for Tuesday, February 12. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for New York City in effect from 6 a.m. Tuesday through midnight. A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain may cause travel difficulties during Tuesday’s morning and evening commutes. According to the latest National Weather Service (NWS) forecast, light snow moves into the region early Tuesday morning and continues through the morning commute. Snow may become moderate to heavy at times. As temperatures increase Tuesday, the snowfall will transition to a wintry mix of sleet and rain in the afternoon, before changing over to rain during the evening commute. There is a possibility for brief freezing rain during the changeover from sleet to rain. Light to moderate rain is expected to continue through the overnight, and will begin to taper off after midnight.  A total of 2 to 4 inches of snow accumulation is forecast, with higher amounts possible in the northern parts of the city. A total of an inch to an inch and a half of rain and a glaze of ice are also possible. High winds are also possible on Tuesday and Wednesday, with gusts up to 40 mph.

New York City Emergency Management advises New Yorkers to use public transportation wherever possible on Tuesday. If you must drive, allow for extra travel time, expect slippery roads and limited visibility, and use extreme caution.

“We are expecting wintry mix of snow, sleet, and rain that will cause messy travel conditions on Tuesday. We advise New Yorkers to take mass transit where possible, exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking, and allow for extra travel time,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “NYC Emergency Management is working closely with agency partners to coordinate preparations for the upcoming storm.”

NYC Emergency Management continues to work closely with National Weather Service to monitor the storm, and will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. Key agencies and partners will staff the EOC to coordinate any response to potential impacts associated with the forecast. The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has loaded 695 salt spreaders across the five boroughs, and its fleet of 1,600 plows will begin operations if more than two inches of snow accumulates on roadways. DSNY will also activate PlowNYC. Alternate Side Street Parking Regulations and trash, recycling and organic collections are suspended on Tuesday, February 12 in observance of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Parking meters remain in effect.

The City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) will pre-deploy crews to the East River bridges. DOT will pre-salt walkways at the ferry terminal, pedestrian overpasses, muni lots and step streets, and will continue to monitor these locations. DOT will monitor conditions on the citywide Transportation network at the Joint Transportation Management Center with State DOT and NYPD, and coordinate efforts to address any issues.

The Department of Buildings (DOB) has issued a weather advisory to remind property owners, contractors, and crane operators to take precautionary measures and secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment during high winds, with the forecast calling for wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, February 12 through Wednesday, February 13. The department will perform 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.

For more information about all agency preparations, visit NYC.gov/severeweather-agencyupdates.

Safety Tips

·Small accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorists and pedestrians. Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces.

·If you drive, use extra caution. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.

·Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they stop less quickly than other vehicles.

·Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.

·Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in snowy conditions.

·If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.

·Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs. Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.