NYC Prepares for Snowstorm and Extreme Cold: Snow Day Policy Update

Winter Storm Preparedness in NYC

• ❄️ New York City officials are preparing for a weekend snowstorm, with a focus on both snowfall and freezing temperatures.
• brine will be applied to all highways, major streets, and bike lanes to mitigate snow and ice accumulation.
• 2,000 Department of Sanitation workers are ready with 700 million pounds of salt to manage the snowfall.

Post-Storm Operations and Cold Snap

• 🧊 After the storm, NYC anticipates a week-long cold snap, necessitating hauling and melting operations for snow piles.
• 🏭 Snow melters capable of processing 120 tons per hour will be used to dispose of accumulated snow.

Snow Day Policy and Remote Learning

• 🏫 The possibility of a snow day for Monday is being considered, with a decision to be communicated directly to families.
• 💻 New York City plans to pivot to remote learning instead of traditional snow days, aiming to avoid system crashes experienced previously.
• ⏰ Staggering start times for remote learning is a key strategy if schools close.

Staying Informed and Travel Alerts

• ⚠️ Mayor Adams encourages New Yorkers to sign up for Notify NYC, the city's emergency alert system, for the latest updates.
• ✈️ Local airports, including JFK, are issuing travel alerts, with airlines like Delta, American, JetBlue, United, and Southwest waiving change fees.
• 📺 First Alert weather team coverage will be provided throughout and ahead of the storm on CBS News New York.