The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a snow alert for Tuesday, Jan. 26 beginning at 2 a.m.

 

Based on current forecasts, the department expects snowfall beginning early Tuesday morning and continuing throughout the day. Total accumulations of less than 2 inches are forecast. All winter weather information and information about the City’s response to the storm can be found by visiting the City’s Severe Weather website at www.nyc.gov/severeweather or by calling 311.

 

DSNY officials said their workers and equipment are prepared for the snow fall. Salt spreaders are filled and ready to go. Additionally, some of the department’s collection trucks will be pulled from collection duty and turned into snow plows, ready to plow snow in the event two inches of snow has fallen. In addition, starting Sunday evening, the department has already started using its “brine trucks” to apply liquid salt to some roadways and bike lanes. The brine, if spread before precipitation begins on dry streets, forms a barrier on the street surfaces and helps keep snow and ice from accumulating.

 

DSNY officials also said that during snow alerts, the department coordinates with NYC Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation on snow clearing protocol in accordance with each agency’s written snow plan, and that all relevant city agencies have been notified of the snow alert.

 

Guidance for Open Restaurants 

Open Restaurants and roadway dining may continue throughout the snow alert period. Restaurant owners can find additional information to prepare their spaces for snow at https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/openrestaurants.shtml.

 

The department also reminds property owners, including restaurants with outdoor dining structures, that they must not push snow onto the street from the sidewalk, as this impedes snow clearing operations and is illegal. Snow may be moved against the building, to the curb line, or to areas on private property. Sidewalks should be passable for all pedestrians, including a minimum 4-foot clear path, where possible.

 

For information on DSNY snow operations, along with residents’ responsibilities, during and after snow, go to nyc.gov/snow.

Meanwhile, the New York City Emergency Management Department (EMD) has issued a travel advisory for Tuesday, Jan. 26 in light of the national weather service issuing a winter weather advisory for New York City which will take effect from 7 a.m. Tuesday through midnight. The department predicts that periods of snowfall, sleet or freezing rain may cause travel difficulties during Tuesday’s morning and evening commutes.

According to the latest national weather service forecast, a wintry mix of light rain, sleet and snow will be evident early Tuesday morning, will continue intermittently throughout the day, become increasingly steady by the evening commute, and will have the potential for a thin coating of freezing rain in the afternoon and early evening. Precipitation will begin to taper off after midnight with isolated light rain and snow showers possible through Wednesday morning.

According to NYC EMD Commissioner Deanne Criswell, the wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow may cause messy road conditions on Tuesday. “We urge all New Yorkers to exercise caution,” she said. “If you must travel, consider using public transportation and allow for extra travel time.”

NYC EMD officials said they will continue to work closely with the national weather service to monitor the weather and any potential impacts associated with the wintry mix. New Yorkers should prepare for slippery road conditions, and exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking. Whether traveling for work, errands or recreation, the department urges residents to consider taking public transportation whenever possible.

Safety Tips

• Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation.
• 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.

 

In light of the snow, New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that alternate side parking (street cleaning) regulations will be suspended on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021 for snow operations. All other regulations, including parking meters, remain in effect.

 

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/EmergencyManagement. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, residents can receive phone calls, text messages, and emails alerts about severe weather events and emergencies. To sign up, call 311, visit www.nyc.gov or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.