Mayor de Blasio Issues Travel Advisory for Monday AM Rush Through Wednesday PM Rush

February 7, 2016

Prolonged light to moderate snow expected Monday morning through Wednesday, creating slippery road conditions for commuters

Below freezing nighttime temperatures can turn melted snow into ice and black ice, causing dangerously slick driving conditions

NEW YORK—Mayor de Blasio today issued a travel advisory for Monday, February 8, 2016 through Wednesday, February 10.

“New York City is expecting two to four inches of snow with light snow through Wednesday, and we’re urging residents to prepare for snowfall and slippery roads this week. While traveling, make sure to drive slowly, use major streets or highways where possible, and exercise caution when walking, biking or driving. Check in on friends, neighbors and the elderly to make sure those around you are safe and prepared for the coming snow,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 3:00 AM through 6:00 PM Monday. The New York City Emergency Management Department and the National Weather Service continue to monitor two winter storms that are forecast to bring snow to the New York City area. The first storm is expected to begin with light snow after midnight Monday.  Steady light to moderate snow will continue through the morning commute and is expected to taper off Monday afternoon.  A total snow accumulation of 2-4 inches is predicted. High winds are also expected to begin after midnight Monday through Monday afternoon, with sustained winds of 15-20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph. Daytime temperatures Monday will be in the high 30s, with wind chill values between 25 and 30 degrees.

Temperatures Monday night will drop to the mid-20s, with wind chill values between 20 and 25 degrees.

As the first storm clears, a second storm system is forecast. Light snow is expected to begin Monday night and will continue through Wednesday. The prolonged snowfall is forecast to taper off Wednesday evening. Daytime temperatures Tuesday are forecast for the mid-30s while temperatures Wednesday will be close to 40 degrees. Nighttime temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday are forecast to be below freezing. New Yorkers are asked to exercise caution and allow for extra travel time when commuting during this period. Be prepared for limited visibility and dangerously slick road conditions, as below freezing temperatures can create black ice.

Department of Sanitation

• The NYC Department of Sanitation has issued a snow alert beginning 3:00 AM Monday, February 8, 2016 and is pre-deploying 579 salt spreaders across the five boroughs. In addition, DSNY will have 1000 plows available in anticipation of any plowing needs (more than 2 inches of accumulation).
• 1000 Sanitation workers will be assigned to the overnight shift.

Department of Transportation

• Anti-icing trucks will be deployed on the East River bridges before the start of the snow and remain throughout the event.
• DOT will have more than 300 staffers on the ground and will continue to coordinate snow removal efforts with DSNY.
• SI Ferry expected to run on normal schedule.
• Street Cleaning Regulations are suspended for Lunar New Year for Monday – Meters remain in effect.
• Citi Bike is expected to remain in service.
• JC Decaux is ready to begin clearing snow from more than 3000 bus shelters throughout the city.

Homeless Services

• A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the weather drops to 32 degrees or below. No one seeking shelter in New York City will be denied. Anyone who sees a homeless individual or family out in the cold should call 311 immediately and an outreach team will be dispatched to assist them. Code Blue Weather Emergencies includes the following options for the homeless:
  • Shelters: During a Code Blue, homeless adults can access any shelter location for single individuals. Beds are available system-wide to accommodate anyone brought in by outreach teams or walk-ins.
  • Drop-in centers: All drop-in centers are open 24 hours a day when Code Blue procedures are in effect, taking in as many as people as possible for the duration of inclement weather. Drop-in staff also can make arrangements for homeless individuals at other citywide facilities.
  • Safe havens and stabilization beds: Chronically homeless individuals may be transported to these low-threshold housing options, where they may go directly from the street to a bed.

Safety Tips

• New Yorkers are also encouraged to take the following precautions:
  • Drive slowly. 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 do not stop quicker 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.
  • Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.
  • Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck.
  • 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.

More Information
For more safety tips, view NYC Emergency Management's public service video announcement or visit nyc.gov/emergencymanagement. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or email alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit nyc.gov/notifynyc, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.