New York City is preparing for a winter storm that could bring up to eight inches of snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding on Tuesday. Mayor Eric Adams urged New Yorkers to stay home and use public transportation if they have to travel.
Mayor Adams briefs media on storm preparations
On Monday afternoon, Mayor Adams held a media briefing at the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) headquarters to provide an update on the city’s response to the expected winter weather. He was joined by DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Emergency Management Commissioner John Scrivani, and other city officials.
Mayor Adams said the city is taking the storm “extremely, extremely serious” and has activated all relevant agencies and resources. He said the current forecast calls for light rain to begin around midnight and transition to snow by Tuesday morning. He said the city could see at least five to eight inches of snow, but the amount could vary depending on the temperature and the timing of the transition.
The mayor also warned of low visibility, high wind gusts, and up to two feet of coastal flooding along vulnerable shorelines. He said the storm is expected to end by early afternoon on Tuesday.
“We want New Yorkers to be prepared and we want New Yorkers to do the same,” Mayor Adams said. “We expect slippery roads and limited visibility, and so we’re strongly encouraging New Yorkers, if you don’t have to go out, stay home. And please use public transportation, we want to minimize the number of vehicles on the road so that our apparatus and vehicles can actually deal with the removal of snow and make our movement in the city more feasible.”
DSNY ready to clear the streets
DSNY Commissioner Tisch said the agency has more than 2,000 salt spreaders and plows ready to deploy across the city. She said the agency will begin salting the streets as soon as the precipitation starts, and will switch to plowing once the snow accumulates to two inches or more.
She said the agency will prioritize main roads, bus routes, and emergency corridors, and will work with other agencies to clear bike lanes, pedestrian ramps, and fire hydrants. She asked New Yorkers to help by shoveling their sidewalks, not throwing snow into the street, and not parking on snow emergency routes.
She also reminded New Yorkers to check the DSNY website or app for updates on trash and recycling collection, which may be delayed or suspended due to the storm.
“We are ready, we are prepared, and we are confident that we will be able to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at us,” Commissioner Tisch said.
Schools to switch to remote learning
The Department of Education (DOE) announced that all public schools will switch to remote learning on Tuesday due to the storm. DOE Chancellor David Banks said the decision was made in consultation with the mayor and the health department, and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students and staff.
He said the schools will follow their regular schedules and use their existing remote learning platforms. He said the schools will provide devices and internet access to any students who need them. He said the schools will also provide grab-and-go meals for any students who want them.
He said the schools will resume in-person learning on Wednesday, unless otherwise notified.
“We know that remote learning is not ideal, but we also know that it is necessary in times of emergency,” Chancellor Banks said. “We appreciate the patience and flexibility of our school communities as we navigate this challenging situation.”
Other city services affected by the storm
The storm will also affect other city services and operations, such as:
- The Department of Transportation (DOT) will suspend alternate side parking rules on Tuesday and Wednesday to facilitate snow removal. Parking meters will remain in effect.
- The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will close all parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields at 6 p.m. on Monday and will reopen them once they are deemed safe. DPR will also open sledding hills at select locations once the snow stops and the conditions are suitable.
- The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) will postpone all COVID-19 testing and vaccination appointments scheduled for Tuesday. DOHMH will contact affected individuals to reschedule their appointments as soon as possible.
- The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) will activate its Code Blue protocol, which means that no one will be denied shelter, regardless of their eligibility status. DHS will also conduct outreach to encourage homeless individuals to come indoors and provide them with transportation, blankets, and other supplies.
How to stay informed and safe
The city advises New Yorkers to stay informed and safe during the storm by:
- Signing up for Notify NYC, the city’s official source of emergency alerts and information. You can sign up online, by phone, or by text message.
- Visiting nyc.gov/severeweather, the city’s website for winter weather information and resources. You can find tips on how to prepare for the storm, how to report snow-related issues, and how to access city services.
- Calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/311, the city’s non-emergency helpline. You can call or visit 311 to request assistance, report problems, or get information. You can also download the 311 app or follow @nyc311 on Twitter.
- Calling 911 only for emergencies. You should call 911 only if you or someone else is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical attention. Do not call 911 for non-emergency issues or information.
