New York in Code Blue as Snowstorm Expected Today

A winter storm bringing snow, icy conditions, and freezing temperatures is set to touch down in New York Sunday afternoon, with NYC Emergency Management preparing to deploy 20 million pounds of salt to ensure safety as the snowstorm approaches.

The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a winter weather alert for Sunday, January 19 through Monday, January 20. A winter storm is expected to bring 2 to 5 inches of snow accumulation beginning Sunday afternoon, with potential for higher amounts depending on the storm’s track. As temperatures plummet below freezing Monday, any untreated wet surfaces or melting snow could refreeze, creating hazardous travel conditions. 

Even colder temperatures are expected throughout the week, as well as wind chills potentially dropping to the single digits or lower. NYC Emergency Management will issue Cold Weather Alerts as these frigid conditions develop, which will activate enhanced outreach efforts to protect vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.

“Our city agencies are ready to answer the call and keep New Yorkers safe as we expect extremely colder temperatures and snowfall over the next several days,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We’re expecting snow Sunday and a cold snap hitting the city tomorrow night through Wednesday. To keep streets safe and clean, city agencies will be implementing snow clearing protocol and reaching out to connect unsheltered New Yorkers to shelters. Thanks to our men and women at the Department of Transportation, Department of Sanitation, and Emergency Management, we’re prepared for what comes our way. Remember to sign up for Notify NYC for weather updates and alerts.”

“This weekend’s snowstorm is expected to bring snow and extreme cold to our city,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “We urge New Yorkers to take this storm seriously and prepare for hazardous travel conditions. If you must travel, use mass transit if possible, and allow for extra time. Now is the time to check on your neighbors, especially older adults and those with disabilities. Everyone should monitor the forecast, take steps to stay warm, and subscribe to Notify NYC for the latest updates and alerts. And remember, if you see someone sleeping out in the cold, call 311. Outreach teams will get them assistance and find them somewhere warm to go.”

“We have already fought four snow events this winter, using tens of millions of pounds of salt and hundreds of thousands of gallons of brine to make sure that streets and bike lanes are safe and passable, but this snowfall is predicted to be significantly larger and thousands of Sanitation Workers are ready to work on 12-hour shifts, driving 2500 plows and 700 salt spreaders across 19,000 lane-miles of New York City roadway to make sure that New Yorkers see as little interruption to their lives as possible. We’ll be out there doing what needs to be done so that the rest of the City can enjoy a safe holiday weekend – please do your part by staying off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” said Javier Lojan, Acting Commissioner, New York City Department of Sanitation. 

NYC Emergency Management has proactively activated the City’s Winter Weather Emergency Plan in response to the forecasted conditions. This includes conducting coordination calls with the National Weather Service and city and state agencies and utility partners, and bolstering staffing.

As part of the Winter Weather Emergency Plan, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a Snow Alert and is fully prepared with a fleet of more than 700 spreaders. During a Snow Alert, the Department collaborates closely with NYC Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation to implement snow clearing protocols, adhering to the detailed snow plans established by each agency. Based on the anticipated weather, more than 20 million pounds of salt could potentially be deployed to manage the snow and ice conditions effectively. Collection trucks have been fitted with plows that will hit the streets when accumulation reaches two inches. DSNY will be tracking operations via its new Bladerunner 2.0 platform, allowing real-time adjustments as conditions require. Every street is on a route and, for the first time, every route can be dispatched at the same time as necessary.  

With temperatures forecast to drop below freezing, the Department of Social Services (DSS) will issue Code Blue Weather Alerts to protect vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. This alert is activated whenever the temperature or wind chill is predicted to reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., triggering enhanced outreach efforts to encourage those living on the streets to seek shelter. During a Code Blue, highly trained outreach teams work tirelessly to connect unsheltered New Yorkers with critical resources, including shelters, drop-in centers, safe havens, and stabilization beds.

Teams proactively and repeatedly engage individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists, offering support, transportation to shelter, and ensuring their safety during the extreme cold. An Enhanced Code Blue is declared when even more dangerous conditions are present, such as significant precipitation, heavy snow accumulation, prolonged periods of frigid temperatures, dangerously low wind chills, high winds, or ice storms. During an Enhanced Code Blue, outreach teams increase the frequency of contact with vulnerable individuals to ensure their safety and well-being. 

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