The New York City Office of Emergency Management today issued a weather advisory for light snow and cold temperatures Thursday night, January 29, through Saturday night, January 31.

· As a cold front approaches Thursday, it will be accompanied by light snow that will begin around 9 PM and continue until early Friday morning. An accumulation of 1-2 inches of snow is expected with little to no ice formation, but roads could be slippery for Friday morning’s rush.

· Decreasing temperatures and increased winds are expected Friday afternoon, resulting in a nighttime low of 12 to 13 degrees, with wind chills of -5 to -10 possible. The strongest winds are expected Friday night into Saturday morning, with sustained winds of 20-30 mph, and gusts of up to 40 mph. Winds diminish Saturday afternoon, but temperatures will remain dangerously frigid.

Treating Roadways and Snow Preparation

The NYC Department of Sanitation has issued a snow alert beginning Thursday at 7 PM and will have more than 500 salt spreaders out across the five boroughs to treat arterial highways, bus routes, school streets, hilly roads, etc. In addition, DSNY will have plows on other equipment in case of any plowing needs (more than 2 inches of accumulation).

The Department of Transportation will deploy anti-icing units to each of the East River bridges and is pre-treating pedestrian overpasses and step streets.

Parking

Alternate Side Parking rules are suspended through Saturday, January 31. Parking meters remain in effect throughout the city.

Cold Weather Safety

New Yorkers are advised to check on their neighbors, friends, and relatives ― especially the elderly and those with disabilities and access and functional needs. People most likely to be exposed to dangerous cold include those who lack shelter, work outdoors and/or live in homes with malfunctioning or inadequate heat. Seniors, infants, people with chronic cardiovascular or lung conditions, people using alcohol or drugs and people with cognitive impairments such as from dementia, serious mental illness or developmental disability are at increased risk.

Safety Tips

New Yorkers are also encouraged to take the following precautions:

· Stay indoors as much as possible.
· Report any loss of heat or hot water to property managers immediately, and call 311.
· If homes lack heat, get to a warm place, if possible, and wear extra layers of dry, loose-fitting clothing, hats and gloves to help stay warm.
· Never use a gas stove to heat your home.
· Never use a kerosene or propane space heater, charcoal or gas grill, or generator indoors or near the home.
· When outdoors, wear warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Use multiple layers to maintain warmth.
· Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls from icy conditions.
· If you are concerned about someone on the street who may be homeless and in need of assistance, call 311 and ask for the Mobile Outreach Response Team. The Department of Homeless Services will send an outreach team to the location to assess the individual’s condition and take appropriate action.
· If your building is cold, check on your neighbors. If you know someone who is vulnerable and lacking heat, help them get to warm places, and notify the building manager and/or call 311 to get heat restored. If you see someone with signs of hypothermia, such as confusion, shivering, slurred speech, and drowsiness, call 911 for help and help the person get warm while waiting for help.

(YWN Desk – NYC)