The National Weather Service is predicting 2 to 3 feet of snow across New York City and Mayor Bill de Blasio is preparing for the worst.
After receiving strong criticism last January—just after his first term as mayor began—for failing to clear snow in the Upper East Side, the mayor is making extraordinary preparations for “something worse than we have seen before,” he said.
All of the appropriate city agencies are working together with the mayor for what is expected to be one of the top three largest storms in the history of the city.
In a press conference on Sunday, Jan. 25, Mayor de Blasio announced that nearly 500 salt spreaders would be on the roads ahead of the storm. He also said that after the first few inches of snow fall, up to 1,500 snowplows will be deployed.
Approximately 2,400 city employees will be working 12-hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Emergency pothole crews are already out making repairs. “We are blessed with the finest workforce ready for emergencies,” the mayor praised.
The mayor cautioned New Yorkers to prepare early and make alternative travel arrangements like mass transit, or get permission from their employers to stay home from work. With the announcement that city schools would likely be closed on Tuesday, parents have all day Monday to plan.
“Road conditions will be treacherous. New Yorkers, stay off the road tomorrow, certainly on Tuesday,” the mayor warned.
He also asked New Yorkers to look out for their elderly neighbors, stay out of city parks to avoid falling branches, and to try not to venture out for walks to avoid slipping on ice.
Alternate side street parking, garbage collection, and recycling collection are all suspended on Monday and Tuesday.
Residents are advised to call 311 for heat and hot water problems or other snowstorm questions. For life threatening emergencies, call 911.
“The city is doing all it can to keep you safe, keep yourself safe as well,” the mayor urged.
