Weather advisory for Thurs., Jan. 29th
Weather advisory for Thurs., Jan. 29th
The New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) issued a weather advisory for light snow and cold temperatures beginning the evening of Thurs., Jan. 29th, through the Sat., Jan. 31st.
“Light snow expected Thursday night through Friday morning, with dangerously frigid temperatures and life-threatening wind chill to follow Friday through Saturday,” said the OEM in a statement.
“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,” added the statement.
As the cold front approaches Thursday, it will be accompanied by light snow that will begin around 9 p.m. and continue until early Friday morning. And while an accumulation of 1-2 inches of snow is expected, frigid temperatures could result in icy roads for Friday morning’s rush.
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 will diminish Saturday afternoon, but temperatures will remain dangerously frigid.
In anticipation of the coming weather conditions, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a snow alert beginning Thursday at 7 p.m. 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, the DSNY will have plows on other equipment in case of any plowing needs (more than 2 inches of accumulation).
Alternate Side Parking rules are suspended through Sat., Jan. 31. Parking meters remain in effect throughout the city.
The Office of the Mayor has also issued a list of 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.
- Homeless Services: Special protocols are in effect when the temperature drops below 32 degrees. No one seeking shelter in New York City will be denied. Anyone who sees a homeless individual or family out in the cold should call 311 immediately and an outreach team will be dispatched to assist them.
For more information regarding weather safety, please call 311, visit NYC.gov/notifynyc, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
