FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
11-15 

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY AM RUSH

Snow may impact travel and create dangerous conditions during morning commute

February 16, 2015 — The New York City Office of Emergency Management today issued a Travel Advisory for Tuesday, February 17, 2015. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from midnight through noon on Tuesday. Snow is expected to begin after midnight and will continue into the Tuesday morning commute, ending early Tuesday afternoon. 2 – 4 inches of snow is predicted, with wind gusts of up to 20 mph. High temperatures Tuesday will be near 25 degrees, with wind chills of 5 to 15 degrees. New Yorkers are asked to exercise caution when driving and allow for additional travel time, especially during the morning commute. Snow covered roads and reduced visibilities may create dangerous travel conditions.

Parking
Alternate Side Parking rules are suspended Tuesday. Parking meters remain in effect throughout the city.

Treating Icy Roadways and Snow Removal
The NYC Department of Sanitation has issued a snow alert and is pre-deploying 500 salt spreaders. In addition, the Sanitation Department has 1600 plows available for use when snow accumulations reach 2 inches or more.

The Department of Transportation will deploy anti-icing units to each of the East River bridges and is pre-treating pedestrian overpasses and step streets.

Ferries
The Staten Island Ferry is expected to operate on a normal schedule.

Safety Tips
NYC Emergency Management encourages New Yorkers to take the following precautions:

For Motorists

• Drive slowly. Posted speed limits are for ideal weather conditions. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
• Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible; these roadways will be cleared first.
• Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.
• Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck in snow.
• If you get stuck on the road, stay with your car and contact a towing company.

For Pedestrians

• Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible.
• Wear layers including a hat, gloves/mittens, and a scarf to stay protected from the cold. And keep clothes and shoes dry, if a layer becomes wet, remove it.
• Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside.
• Have a heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.
• Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls from icy conditions.

For more information and updates related to weather conditions, visit NYC.gov/severeweather.

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 emails 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.

CONTACT:  Nancy Silvestri/Omar Bourne                     (718) 422-4888