Updated Monday, Feb. 3 1:45 p.m.
ANGY ALTAMIRANO AND CRISTABELLE TUMOLA
Another round of snow is impacting New York City, just as Staten Island Chuck predicted six more weeks of winter.
“Things are going to be messy today,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a press briefing Monday afternoon.
“Snow is coming down faster than we can plow it.”
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) issued a “snow alert” starting at 1 a.m. Monday and will be deploying its snow fighting equipment as needed. Alternate side parking has been suspended Monday and Tuesday to facilitate with winter weather preparations, but payment at parking meters remains in effect.
The mayor also said that the timing of the storm could also make it difficult for snow clearing, and urged New Yorkers to stay off the road after rush hour so streets could be clear for the morning commute.
After receiving criticism about plow response during the Jan. 21 snowstorm, de Blasio said a review was done and changes were made.
One change, he said, was to cancel garbage and recycling pick-up earlier, which was decided Sunday afternoon.
NYPD cameras have also been accessed by the DSNY to better target snow clearing operations.
To track the progress of DSNY clearing operations throughout the five boroughs, click here.
The New York City Office of Emergency Management has also issued a “Hazardous Travel Advisory” for Monday.
A winter storm warning has been issued citywide from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. by the National Weather Service (NWS) and 4 to 8 inches of snow are expected Monday with temperatures in the 30s. Visibility is expected to be low.
The snowfall will taper off by about 7 p.m., but the bad weather won’t end there.
The NWS has issued a winter storm watch for late Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon, with 2 to 4 inches of snow along with sleet predicted. More snow could also hit the area over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Monday’s snowfall was already causing delays of several hours at local airports by the morning as well as delays on local bus routes.
The MTA has canceled Fastrack maintenance on the A and C lines in Brooklyn. During mid-day hours, subway trains will be stored underground on express tracks to for protection, impacting express service on portions of certain lines, the transit agency said. Express service, however, will be restored for the p.m. peak period. MTA bridges and tunnels are open.
Though the city’s public schools were open Monday, Chancellor Carmen Fariña announced that due to the weather, after-school programs and PSAL activities are canceled.
“Since snow is expected to make roads slippery, we urge New Yorkers to exercise caution when traveling to and from schools. Safety is a top priority for the Department,” she said.
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