It’s round three for the Tri-State with more wicked weather on the way. The City’s top snow fighters were still getting the cold shoulder over the last storm, but with another on the way, they’re scrambling to prove they know what they’re doing, Kathryn Brown reports.

“We felt completely abandoned,” said City Councilman James Sanders, Jr.

Mistakes have been admitted, problems identified and solutions pieced together. In a frantic effort to avoid another chaotic and dangerous situation, the mayor and top agencies released a 15-point action plan to combat future storms, including the one expected to hit Tuesday.

“We owe it to you and all New Yorkers not to let it happen again,” said Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith.

The plan includes establishing a more formal process for declaring snow emergencies, equipping every sanitation truck with a two-way GPS device, sending scout teams on the roads to stream live video of trouble spots – reminiscent of Mobile2, and equipping ambulances with snow chains and sled-like devices to carry patients through the snow.

During an intense grill session on Monday, Council members pelted the deputy mayor and commissioners for sanitation, fire and the Office of Emergency Management, making clear they felt the fallout from the last storm started at the top.

“I think you and the mayor are responsible for what happened. You and the mayor should be under investigation,” said Brooklyn Councilman Charles Barron.

“The mayor did not have the information he deserved. It was fragmented. It wasn’t distributed. It wasn’t coordinated,” Goldsmith said.

The three major area airports were also preparing for this next winter blast. Port Authority officials said JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty were ready with equipment and supplies.

More than 200 pieces of heavy snow equipment were said to be available, as well as snow-melting machines.

There were also 2,000 tons of salt and more than 1,500 tons of sand for airport roads and parking lots.

(Source: WCBSTV)