Mayor Bill de Blasio has a message of confidence to New Yorkers concerned about tonight’s snowstorm: The City is  ‘absolutely’  prepared to deal with the snowstorm.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference following NYPD Commissioner Bill  Bratton’s swearing-in ceremony, Mayor de Blasio proclaimed his intention to be on top of the action in monitoring the City’s Sanitation department clearing the streets, and dealing with any difficulties as they occur, in tonight’s snowstorm and clod weather projected.

As of now, the mayor said, only 5-10 inches of snow is projected. However, the weather could change unpredictably.

“We are focused as a laser in protecting the people of the City in getting everyone ready,” the Mayor said, flanked by the Commissioner of the Sanitation Department, John Doherty.  The mayor noted that 450 – large and small – salt spreaders were loaded and will be deployed wherever there’s accumulation of up to 2 inches. Plows have been attached to 1,700 collection trucks in order to clear the snow, and the plow NYC website is activated so the public can track where snow clearing equipment has serviced in their area.

The mayor also advised the public to keep warm, keep an eye out for elderly neighbors and those in need so that they stay warm in the extremely cold weather expected.

The mayor emphasized numerous times during the presser, urging New Yorkers “to get off the street this evening,” so that the Sanitation has the optimal conditions to do their work. “Get out of the way so they can do the work,” said Mayor de Blasio. “If you don’t need to drive, this evening, don’t drive. Stay home and let these professionals do their work… Take this seriously. Please stay home tonight, and stay off the roads.”

The mayor will provide an additional update at 4:00PM, as well as constant briefings throughout the night.

Alternate sides are suspended today and Friday.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)