Blizzard Warning in Effect Beginning Monday Afternoon
The National Weather Service has issued a citywide Blizzard Warning, which is in effect from Monday, Jan. 26, at 1 PM, until Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 12 AM. The current forecast calls for 18 to 24 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible and snowfall rates of up to 2 to 4 inches per hour late Monday night into Tuesday morning. Northern winds of 20 to 30 MPH are forecast, with gusts of up to 55 MPH possible. Temperatures in the lower 20s are expected, with visibilities of one quarter mile or less at times.
For real-time weather information, visit the National Weather Service.
Emergency Declarations
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo declared a state of emergency for New York City.
Schools
Schools are closed Tuesday, Jan. 27. Regents exams scheduled for this time will be rescheduled Thursday. The subjects impacted are:
• Global History and Geography
• Integrated Algebra
• Comprehensive Testing in Writing (special education)
• Comprehensive in Mathematics (special education)
Transportation
For the safety of New Yorkers, and to clear the way for emergencies, roads will be closed to non- emergency vehicles as of 11 PM on Mon., 1/26. Governor Cuomo announced a tractor trailer ban will be in effect on major state highways beginning at 4 PM Monday. Commuters should pay close attention to advisories as the day progresses and leave work early if possible. New Yorkers are also urged not to walk or venture outside once the worst of the storm hits this evening.
Alternate Side Parking is suspended on Monday, Jan. 26, Tuesday, Jan. 27, and Wednesday, Jan. 28. Parking meters will remain in effect. Sanitation collections are suspended for Mon, Jan 26 and Tuesday, Jan 27.
Visit the NYC Department of Transporation’s website for additional tips and information.
For updates on mass transporation — including New York City subways and buses, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad — and MTA bridges and tunnels, visit MTA.info.
Snow Removal
The Department of Sanitation has 12-hour shifts of 2,400 workers each on duty, with 1,800 collection trucks outfitted with plows (up from usual 1,500) and another 500 salt spreaders, also outfitted with plows. City agencies have dedicated a further 250 pieces of equipment, for a total of 2,550 vehicles now dedicated to the effort. Click here to track local plowing/spreader progress.
Take Steps to Prepare and Stay Informed
New Yorkers are strongly advised to take steps to prepare. Visit the NYC Hazards: Winter Weather webpages for tips and information.
Staten Islanders can download the new BP Assist mobile app to quickly report important information to the proper agency and receive important notifications. Click here for more information.
New Yorkers are 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 severe weather events and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, visit Notify NYC online, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
Call 311 or contact 311 online for non-emergency situations. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Plan ahead for your needs. During an emergency, your normal way of communicating may be affected by changes in environment, noise, or confusion. Know how and what you will need to communicate during an emergency.
Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors. Offer to help individuals who require special assistance, including seniors and persons with disabilities and access and functional needs.
For power-related issues, contact your utility provider:
• Con Edison 24-hour hotline: 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633)
• National Grid 24-hour hotline: 1-718-643-4050
• PSEG 24-hour hotline: 1-800-490-0025
Subways and Staten Island Railway
The New York City Subway is operating in a Plan V preparation mode, which means that New York City Transit will store trains underground tonight to protect the subway car fleet from the elements. New York City Transit stores trains underground on express tracks, so this will impact express service at night and into the overnight hours. In addition, all overnight subway construction and maintenance has been cancelled.
Staten Island Railway service is currently running on or close to schedule, but may experience periodic and or prolonged service disruptions due to snow fighting/clearing activities.
Staten Island Ferry will be operating on schedule and anticipates maintaining its schedule during the evening rush.
Personnel are in place clearing platforms and stairs of snow. De-icers and snow throwers have been strategically deployed to focus on outdoor areas and open cuts that are the most susceptible to high snow accumulations.
Super-powered snow throwers, jet-powered snow-blowers, and de-icing cars – retired subway cars modified with tanks and other specialized equipment to spray de-icing fluid on the third rail – were deployed starting Friday night. Select trains were also equipped with scraper shoes to keep ice off the third rails.
Buses
The MTA operated normal bus service this morning, but depending on road conditions, service may be curtailed as the day progresses. All local buses, including articulated buses, will have chains or snow tires installed by today’s afternoon and evening peak.
This year’s weather plan has been updated to include new snow-fighting equipment; new improved cold-weather and communications equipment; increased planning and collaboration with the Department of Sanitation; and more alerts and checks on service for quicker and more proactive operations planning.
Paratransit
Paratransit customers may experience additional travel and wait times. Paratransit will not be providing sedan service, and depending on conditions, customers may want to reconsider travel unless medically necessary. For Access-A-Ride paratransit service, a dashboard storm monitoring system is in place to track immobilized vehicles and customers. NYC Transit has also coordinated a procedure with New York City first responders and the Office of Emergency Management for rescuing customers on immobilized vehicles or those who develop medical needs during storms.
Other Updates
New Yorkers are advised to stay out of New York City parks during the storm for their safety. City parks will be closed at 6 PM. The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation will be tracking downed trees and tree limbs throughout the city.
The NYC Department of Homeless Services’ annual HOPE Count has been cancelled, and will be rescheduled at a later date.