I have been in communication this afternoon with the NYC Office of Emergency Management as well as NYPD, FDNY, DSNY, DOT, DEP, NYC Parks, the MTA, the National Weather Service, National Grid, & Con Edison, and I would like to share some updates with you regarding the impending snowstorm.

As a reminder, my office will be open and operational on Saturday night & Sunday. My office can be reached at 718-368-9176.

The National Weather Service is currently predicting 12 – 18 inches of snow in New York City. There is a blizzard warning in effect through Sunday. There is a potential for coastal flooding at high tide, and OEM & NYC Parks will be continuously monitoring our coastal areas, including Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Coney Island. In addition, NYC Parks has placed berms in four key locations along our waterfront, to act as a barrier against any storm surges. NYC Parks & the Fire Department have a joint Downed Tree Task Force that is on standby to respond to any emergencies.

The Department of Sanitation has their snow plows and salt spreaders at the ready, in order to tackle the roads as soon as snowfall begins. In addition, I have spoken with the DSNY, DOT, and the MTA in order to clarify the urgent need for a quicker response in clearing bus shelters, pedestrian islands, and pedestrian ramps after the snow. In the past, we have had to wait weeks for these areas to be cleaned, and the burden on our seniors and the disabled is intolerable.

I have also spoken with National Grid and Con Edison, and they are prepared to address any potential emergencies quickly and efficiently.

Sanitation pickup has been suspended for this Saturday.

In partnership with the Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol and Masbia, I will be delivering emergency food packages to anyone in need on Sunday – to sign up, call my office at 718-368-9176.

Thank you to NYC OEM Commissioner Joseph Esposito, all relevant City agencies and utility companies, and to my colleagues, Assembly Member Steve Cymbrowitz, and Community Board 15 Chairperson Theresa Scavo for their collaboration and teamwork in preparation for this storm.

(YWN Desk – NYC)