The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) issued a snow alert for Friday, Jan. 28, beginning at 4 p.m. The alert is in effect through all of Saturday and into Sunday morning. A snow alert is the department’s “higher-level” winter weather message, as opposed to the “lower-level” winter operations advisory.

 

Get all your storm-related information about closings, snow removal, trash collection, transportation, city-impacting advisories, and more in one place!

The #NYC311 Snow Page: https://t.co/95SwOqhAH4 pic.twitter.com/rtDS2Frn18

— New York City 311 (@nyc311) January 29, 2022

 

Based on forecasts, DSNY officials said scattered snow showers may start as early as 3 a.m., and the department expects more sustained snowfall beginning Friday afternoon, becoming heavy at times overnight, and continuing as late as Saturday evening, with scattered flurries also possible on Sunday. While accumulations may be lower, they said more than a foot of snow is certainly possible given the current size and track of the weather event. DSNY officials said 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.

 

At a press conference in Manhattan on Friday, Mayor Eric Adams said, “It seems like we continue to move through one incident after another but when you have the right time, you can get through it all.” Thanking all of the City agencies for their work, he reminded New Yorkers that the National Weather Service had issued the winter story warning for the City and said it was important to be prepared.

 

During a snow alert, department officials say they coordinate with NYC Emergency Management (EMS) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) on snow clearing protocol in accordance with each agency’s written snow plan. They said all relevant city agencies have been notified of the snow alert.

 

On the ground in the Bronx. It’s a good day to stay home if you don’t have to go out! pic.twitter.com/mFEqJpQpq0

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) January 29, 2022

 

Operations Update

DSNY officials said the department has been preparing for the likelihood of a plowable snowfall, and its workers and equipment are prepared. Salt spreaders have been filled and the pretreating of roadways has already begun since Friday morning. They said the forecast indicates that this is an appropriate event for the use of brine, and the department has therefore placed the liquid pretreatment on roadways on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, they said the department’s collection trucks have been turned into snow plows, ready to plow once two inches of snow has fallen, and chains will be placed on tires for added traction. They said the department has more than 2,000 total vehicles equipped with plows, including salt spreaders, and more than 280,000 tons of salt on hand.

 

The department’s special waste drop-off sites, which are normally open on the last Friday of each month and every Saturday, will operate as normal on Friday, Jan. 28, but will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 29.

NYC homeowners and business owners – in anticipation of snow, prepare to shovel a path to hydrants so they are visible to FDNY in case of emergency. See more #FDNYSmart tips at https://t.co/NpwdRdlElY pic.twitter.com/ftOhSTgfqx

— FDNY (@FDNY) January 29, 2022

 

Trash/Recycling Collection:

DSNY officials said the City’s sanitation workers who collect trash and recycling are the same sanitation workers who plow and salt the streets. Therefore, trash and recycling collection will be delayed during snow removal operations. While residents may put material out at the curb, following their normal schedule, snow operations take priority and they said collection delays are to be expected. They said the department will return to collection operations as soon as possible once the snow removal has been completed. They thank residents for their patience as they work to clear the streets.

 

Alternate Side Parking

City officials said that alternate side parking regulations are in effect for Friday, Jan. 28. Parking meters will remain in effect.

 

Guidance for Open Restaurants 

City officials also said that “Open Restaurants” roadway dining may operate as normal during the snow event if the business owner deems it is safe to do so. However, City officials said to prevent damage from the weight of snow, restaurants should remove the tops of structures if possible or regularly clear snow off, without putting it back onto the street. Restaurant owners may find additional information to prepare their spaces for snow at: https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/openrestaurants.shtml.

LIVE NOW IN MANHATTAN: @NYCMayor gives an update on this weekend's winter storm. https://t.co/MPgguWnGhC

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) January 28, 2022

 

Protected Bike Lanes

City officials said they take the safe passage of bicycle facilities seriously, especially for the essential workers who need to be out in any weather. They said while the department’s initial focus during an active snow event is to keep the roadways clear for emergency vehicles, and ensure New Yorkers never lose access to critical medical, fire and police services, plowing and salting of bike lanes will begin after the emergency roadway work is underway. Protected bike lanes will be pretreated with brine and cleared as quickly as possible. Officials said if the storm reaches higher-end predictions of 12 inches or more, this may take several days. They advised that property owners should not move snow from sidewalks onto bike lanes.

 

Temperatures are to go below freezing tonight. If you see anyone at risk, especially those living on the street, please call 311. During #CodeBlue, shelter is available system-wide for anyone brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins. pic.twitter.com/b2ngfmIE6u

— Homeless Services (@NYCDHS) January 29, 2022

 

Snow Clearing Information

As a reminder, City officials said property owners, including restaurants with outdoor dining structures, may NOT push snow into the street. 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 kept clear for all pedestrians, including a minimum 4-foot clear path, where possible.

 

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

 

Find information on DSNY snow operations, along with residents’ responsibilities during and after snow at nyc.gov/snow.

 

The mayor provided an update on snow removal operations on Saturday morning as he visited various areas of the City, including The Bronx.

 

UPDATE: #NYCASP rules will be suspended tomorrow, Saturday, January 29 through Tuesday, February 1 to facilitate snow operations and for scheduled suspensions. Parking meters will remain in effect.

Follow @NYCASP for the latest Alternate Side Parking info. pic.twitter.com/QGe6HDmiz0

— New York City 311 (@nyc311) January 28, 2022

 

Meanwhile the Department of Homelss Services has advised that Code Blue remains in place on Saturday night and shelter is available for anyone found homeless on the City’s streets. Call 311 and someone will assist them.

 

The FDNY has asked that a path be cleared to all fire hydrants in all neighborhood areas to avoid any unnecessary delays in case of emergency.  

 

On Friday, NYC Department of Education announced that due to severe weather conditions, all Department of Education sponsored activities and all extended-use permits, including adult education, special education, and PSAL would be cancelled Saturday, Jan. 29.