New York City Emergency Management Department issued a travel advisory for Sunday,  Feb. 13, amid a forecast for light snow expected to last through Sunday afternoon. City officials said a total of 2 inches to 3 inches of snow was expected with higher amounts possible in some local areas.

 

Following several days of unseasonably warm weather, City officials said a cold air mass will move in on Sunday, and periods of light to moderate snow may produce a coating of up to three inches in some areas. Given the high ground temperatures, it is possible that this will melt and then refreeze overnight, leading to dangerous “black ice” conditions for the Monday morning commute.

 

NYC emergency management acting commissioner, Christina Farrell said although the City experienced unseasonably warmer temperatures over the past few days, winter weather would make its return on Sunday.  “We urge New Yorkers to exercise caution. If you must travel, we encourage the use of mass transit and please allow for extra travel time.”  

     

Meanwhile, NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) issued as a winter operations advisory, the department’s “lower level” winter weather message, as opposed to the “higher level” snow alert. The City’s sanitation commissioner,  Edward Grayson, said,  “This Sunday, many New Yorkers will be gathering to watch the big game – if you are planning to travel, please know that weather conditions may change rapidly.” He added, “Take public transit and give yourself extra time. The most important thing is that you get home safe, and give our salt spreaders the space to do their jobs,” 

 

DSNY officials said the agency has pre-deployed over 700 salt spreaders to pretreat roadways ahead of the first snowflakes and is prepared to dispatch plows in every sector if more than 2 inches of snow accumulates. Liquid brine has also been placed on certain roadways and protected bike lanes to limit the amount of snow accumulation.

 

DSNY Safety Tips  

• Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation.    
• If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.    
• Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.   
• 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.    
• Take care when walking on snow and ice, especially if you are an older adult. Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.    
• Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.     

 

 Open Restaurants may continue to offer outdoor and roadway dining throughout this event. Restaurants with roadway seating should be aware that DSNY equipment may spread salt on the roadway. 

 

Residents should continue to follow their normal collection schedule for trash, compost and recycling, though delays may occur while the department is in snow operations mode.

 

Alternate side parking regulations and parking meters will operate as normal.

 

DSNY officials said the department is coordinating with other City agencies on snow clearing protocol in accordance with each agency’s written snow plan. All relevant city agencies have been notified and the department will continue to monitor forecasts as the snow event approaches.

 

 

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather, or call 311. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels including Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies.

 

To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit www.nyc.gov or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter. Find information on Sanitation snow operations along with residents’ responsibilities during and after snow at nyc.gov/snow.