Gusty northwest winds combined with low temperatures are pushing the wind chill into the single digits or lower across New York state.

The National Weather Service says winds are gusting as high as 47 mph Tuesday morning in New York City, where it’s 26 degrees but feels like 9 degrees with the wind chill.

Forecasters say winds will gust to 45 mph in much of eastern New York through most of Tuesday.

The Buildings Department is reminding all builders, contractors and property owners to secure their construction sites and buildings.

The Buildings Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If construction sites are not safely secured in preparation for the inclement weather, the Department will take immediate enforcement action with the issuance of violations and Stop Work Orders if necessary.

As of 9:00AM EST, the following wind chills have been recorded:
Central Park:
Temperature = 21 °F (-6 °C)
Wind Speed = 17 mph / Gusts 30 mph
Wind Chill = 7 °F (-14 °C)

LaGuardia Airport:
Temperature = 22 °F (-6 °C)
Wind Speed = 35 mph / Gusts 44 mph
Wind Chill = 3 °F (-16 °C)

John F. Kennedy Airport:
Temperature = 23 °F (-5 °C)
Wind Speed = 22 mph / Gusts 44 mph
Wind Chill = 8 °F (-13 °C)

The department recommends contractors take precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

*Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.
*Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.
*Store loose tools, oil cans and extra fuses in a tool box.
*Secure netting and scaffolding.
*Suspend crane operations and secure crane equipment.
Secure exterior construction elevators.
*Brace and secure construction fences.
*Call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency on a construction site.