Due to the possibility of up to 5 inches of snow on Sunday, Jan. 23, amid several days of freezing cold temperatures, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a “winter operations advisory” for Sunday, beginning at 4 p.m. The advisory is the department’s “lower level” winter weather message, as opposed to the department’s “higher level” snow alert.

 

City officials said snow is expected to move in this afternoon, with a possibility of a coating of up to 5 inches overnight. As temperatures have been especially cold for several days, the ground temperatures are favorable for the snow to “stick” in much of the City, creating slippery conditions. All residents are encouraged to be especially cautious this evening, and to take mass transit if possible.

 

Department officials said salt spreaders are filled and will be active across the City throughout the weather event as needed, and the department will put down liquid brine ahead of the first flake. While heavier accumulation is not expected, they said, the  department is prepared to deploy plows in every sector in the unlikely event of a snow accumulation of 2 inches or more.

 

Officials said 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. 

 

They said 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 will be in effect on Monday, as will parking meters.  

 

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

 

All winter weather information and information about the City’s response to the storm can be found by visiting the City’s Severe Weather website at www.nyc.gov/severeweather or by calling 311. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can sign up to receive phone calls, text messages, and emails alerts about severe weather events and 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.

 

DSNY officials said that the department keeps New York City healthy, safe and clean by collecting, recycling and disposing of waste, cleaning streets and vacant lots, and clearing snow and ice. it operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks, 450 mechanical brooms and 705 salt spreaders. Department officials also clear litter, snow and ice from approximately 6,500 miles of City streets as well as debris from vacant lots and abandoned vehicles.