Press Release

For Immediate Release
#4-20


NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR SATURDAY


Winter Weather Advisory in effect for New York City Saturday through early Sunday morning


Alternate Side Parking Regulations Suspended Saturday to facilitate snow removal


January 17, 2020 — The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a travel advisory for New York City for Saturday, January 18. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for New York City from 10 a.m. Saturday through 1 a.m. Sunday, January 19. According to the latest forecast, snow is expected to move into the region Saturday morning. The light to moderate snow is forecast to change over to rain in the afternoon, before tapering off around midnight. A total accumulation of 2 to 4 inches of snow is forecast, with locally higher amounts possible. Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be suspended on Saturday to facilitate snow removal. Payment at parking meters remain in effect throughout the city. New Yorkers are advised to prepare for slippery road conditions and should use public transportation for travel on Saturday.

“As we head into the weekend, I want to advise New Yorkers to prepare for the winter weather that’s moving into our area. With snow in the forecast for Saturday, give yourself some extra travel time, exercise caution, and use public transportation where possible,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell. “We will continue to work closely with National Weather Service to monitor the forecast and coordinate necessary preparations for the upcoming weather.”

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will deploy 705 salt spreaders across the five boroughs, and more than 1500 plows will begin operations once two inches of snow has fallen. DSNY workers will be assigned to 12-hour split shifts beginning 7 a.m. Saturday.

The City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) will deploy crews to the East River bridges and Times Square. DOT will pre-salt Times Square, along with walkways at the ferry terminal and muni lots, and will continue to monitor these locations. DOT will monitor conditions on the citywide Transportation network at the Joint Transportation Management Center with State DOT and NYPD, and coordinate efforts to address any issues.

Safety Tips

  • Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation on Saturday.
  • If you must drive, use extra caution. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
  • 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 stop less quickly than other vehicles.
  • Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces. 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. 
  • Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.
For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/EmergencyManagement. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or download the free app for your Android or Apple device. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

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MEDIA CONTACT:    Omar Bourne (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED:  Twitter: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications); @nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info); Facebook:    /NYCemergencymanagement