NYC Mayor Warns of "Near Blizzard" Conditions and City Preparedness for Winter Storm

Winter Storm Preparedness and Forecast

• ❄️ Snowfall is expected to begin late Sunday evening, intensifying around 5:00 a.m. Monday, with accumulations of 2 inches before midday Sunday and a total of at least 8 to 9 inches, potentially more.
• 💨 Visibility will be very low with winds gusting up to 35 mph, leading to near blizzard conditions. The storm will transition to sleet by Sunday evening.
• 🥶 Following the snow, New York City will experience a prolonged period of frigid temperatures lasting through the next week, colder than any sustained period in about 8 years.

City Government Response and Operations

• 🛠️ City workers have been preparing for days, with DSNY brining highways, teachers ensuring remote learning readiness, and FDNY increasing firefighter numbers.
• 📞 The emergency management department has activated its winter weather plan, holding daily coordination calls and using 311 reports from past storms to address shortcomings in service delivery.
• 🚨 The city has declared a Code Blue, with homeless services outreach workers canvassing to connect individuals with shelter, ensuring an open-door policy at all shelters and hospitals.

Snowfighting and Emergency Services

• 🚛 Over 2,000 DSNY workers will staff 12-hour shifts, deploying over 700 salt spreaders and 2,300 plow vehicles for the largest snowfighting operation in the country.
• 🚑 EMS and NYPD are on standby, with enhanced readiness and tow trucks available to ensure ambulances can respond to calls, even if stuck.
• 🏫 Decisions regarding in-person or remote school learning for Monday will be made by 12:00 p.m. Sunday, prioritizing the safety of students, parents, and educators.

Public Advisory and Gratitude

• ⚠️ A hazardous travel advisory will be in effect on Sunday and Monday, with New Yorkers urged to avoid travel if possible and stay inside.
• 🤝 The Mayor expressed deep gratitude for the city workers who are rushing into dangerous conditions to keep the city running and safe, acknowledging their dedication and years of service.
• 📢 Updates will be shared via Notify NYC, and residents are encouraged to sign up for direct city information by texting "notify NYC" to 692692.