NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY

 

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY 

The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a travel advisory from the evening of Saturday, February 8 through Sunday, February 9, 2025, with a winter storm expected to impact the region. Currently, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Saturday evening into Sunday morning. The NWS currently forecasts a winter storm with accumulating snow, possibly mixing with sleet, of 3 to 5 inches possible Saturday night into Sunday morning. A chance for freezing rain is also forecast for early Sunday morning. Up to an inch per hour is possible. NYCEM is also monitoring for the possibility of snow again Tuesday night into Wednesday. 

  

“Our city agencies are ready to answer the call and keep New Yorkers safe as we expect freezing temperatures and snowfall this weekend,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We’re expecting snow Saturday night into Sunday morning, and thanks to our men and women at the Department of Transportation, Department of Sanitation, and Emergency Management, we’re prepared for what comes our way. Remember to sign up for Notify NYC for weather updates and alerts.” 

  

“This weekend's winter weather will make getting around difficult, with snow and potentially freezing rain creating slippery and icy conditions,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “We want everyone to be safe. If you can, please stay off the roads and use mass transit. If you must go out, give yourself extra time and be very careful whether you're walking, biking, or driving. Check on your neighbors, especially those who may need a little extra help, stay tuned to the forecast, and be sure to subscribe to Notify NYC for emergency alerts. We're also keeping an eye on the possibility of more snow next week and will share updates as soon as we have them.”  

  

NYCEM warned that forecasted conditions could create slushy, slick roadways, particularly on untreated surfaces, and lead to ponding in areas with poor drainage. The agency advised New Yorkers to exercise caution when traveling, expect delays, allow extra time, and prepare for slippery conditions. Whenever possible, New Yorkers should take mass transit and check for any service changes in advance. Additionally, those driving, biking, or walking should watch for potential icy patches, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads.  

  

NYC Emergency Management is actively preparing for the approaching winter weather and has activated the city's Winter Weather Emergency Plan. The plan includes ongoing coordination with the National Weather Service, city and state agencies, and utility partners, as well as increased staffing. The administration announced that Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be suspended Saturday, February 8. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the city.   

  

As part of the City's Winter Weather Emergency Plan, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) DSNY is collaborating closely with NYC Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation, following established snow clearing protocols. DSNY will be issuing a Snow Operations Alert and is fully prepared for the approaching winter storm. A fleet of over 700 salt spreaders is ready, and thousands of Sanitation Workers will be working 12-hour shifts, spreading salt, affixing plows to collection trucks, and driving those plows when snow reaches two inches. More than 700 million pounds of salt are available for deployment, and collection trucks are equipped with plows that will hit the streets at the two-inch mark. DSNY will use its new Bladerunner 2.0 platform to track operations in real-time, enabling dynamic adjustments to the response. Every street is assigned to a route, and all routes can be dispatched simultaneously, ensuring a coordinated and efficient snow removal effort.   

  

Residential building owners are legally required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees when the temperatures fall below 55 degrees outside during the day and a minimum of 62 degrees indoors overnight, regardless of outdoor temperatures. If an apartment lacks appropriate heat, a tenant should first attempt to notify the building owner, managing agent or superintendent. If heat is not restored, the tenant should register an official complaint via 311. Tenants can call 311, visit 311 online at NYC.gov/311, or use the 311 mobile app (on Android and iOS devices) to file a complaint. Hearing-impaired tenants can register complaints via a Touchtone Device for the Deaf TDD at (212) 504-4115.  

  

With temperatures forecast to drop below freezing, the Department of Social Services (DSS) will issue Code Blue Weather Alerts to protect vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. This alert is activated whenever the temperature or wind chill is predicted to reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., triggering enhanced outreach efforts to encourage those living on the streets to seek shelter. During a Code Blue, highly trained outreach teams work tirelessly to connect unsheltered New Yorkers with critical resources, including shelters, drop-in centers, safe havens, and stabilization beds.  

  

Teams proactively and repeatedly engage individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists, offering support, transportation to shelter, and ensuring their safety during the extreme cold. An Enhanced Code Blue is declared when even more dangerous conditions are present, such as significant precipitation, heavy snow accumulation, prolonged periods of frigid temperatures, dangerously low wind chills, high winds, or ice storms. During an Enhanced Code Blue, outreach teams increase the frequency of contact with vulnerable individuals to ensure their safety and well-being.   

  

NYCEM offers New Yorkers tips on staying safe before, during, and after winter storms at on.nyc.gov/winterweather:  

  

•   Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications online or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on social media.  

•   If you must go outdoors, dress in warm, dry clothing and cover exposed skin, especially your fingertips, earlobes, and nose. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves to retain body heat. Shivering is an early warning sign that your body is losing heat—take it as a cue to return indoors. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s guidance before engaging in strenuous activity, as cold weather places extra strain on the heart. Remember, your body is already working hard to stay warm, so avoid overexertion.  

•   Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to serious health issues, including hypothermia, frostbite, and worsening of chronic heart and lung conditions. Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops dangerously low, with early signs such as shivering, dizziness, and trouble speaking, progressing to confusion and shallow breathing. Frostbite affects extremities like fingers, toes, and the face, starting with redness and pain before leading to numbness and pale, waxy skin. If you suspect frostbite or hypothermia, call 911 immediately. While waiting for help, move the person to a warm place, remove damp clothing, and cover them with blankets.  

•   Outdoor workers, such as those in construction and utilities, face risks from cold-related health impacts. Employers should implement safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on recognizing cold-related disorders, prevention strategies, and proper treatment. Ensuring workplace safety during winter conditions helps protect employees from the dangers of prolonged exposure to cold weather.  

•   Allow for extra travel time and expect delays with little to no notice. Use public transportation whenever possible.  

•   If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible. Always have an emergency kit in your car. It should include items like blankets, a flashlight, water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a snow shovel.  

•   Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.  

•   For fire safety, ensure every room has a working smoke alarm, test them monthly, and change batteries twice a year. Use only indoor-approved portable heaters, keeping combustible materials like furniture and drapes at least three feet away. Never drape clothes over heaters or leave them running unattended, especially around children. Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet—never use extension cords or power strips—and avoid using heaters with damaged cords. Turn off heating devices when not in use to reduce fire risks.  

•   To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, ensure all fuel-burning appliances—such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and dryers—are properly vented and in good working condition. If unsure, consult a professional for inspection and repairs. Building owners must install approved carbon monoxide detectors, while occupants are responsible for maintaining them. If you have a fireplace, keep the chimney clean and free of debris. Never use gas stoves, ovens, charcoal grills, kerosene, propane, or oil-burning heaters to heat your home—kerosene and propane space heaters are illegal in NYC. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, including headache, nausea, dizziness, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness, can be life-threatening, with severe cases leading to permanent injury or death.  

•    If you require assistance for daily activities, make arrangements in advance for support during the expected weather, ensuring caregivers are aware of and prepared for the weather conditions. Charge your phones and keep a flashlight and batteries handy. If you lose power and have a disability and/or use life-sustaining equipment and need immediate assistance, call 911.  

•   To report power outages, downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment, call your power provider immediately to report the outage. Con Edison’s 24-hour hotline is 800-75-CONED (752-6633) (TTY: 800-642-2308). You can also report an outage online on Con Edison's website. National Grid’s 24-hour hotline is 718-643-4050 (TTY: 718-237-2857). PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour hotline is 800-490-0025 (TTY: 631-755-6660)  

  

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. NotifyNYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. To learn more about the NotifyNYC program or to sign up, New Yorkers can visit the NotifyNYC website, call 311, or download the free NotifyNYC app for your Android or Apple device. You can now text to 692-692, using the code NOTIFYNYC, NOTIFYNYCESP (Spanish), and NOTIFYFRE (French) to be instantly enrolled to receive the highest priority, verified alerts across all the five boroughs.