As First Flakes Fall, City Issues A Threat To Drivers

The first flakes of tonight’s storm hit the ground just minutes ago, and the city has sent a flurry of notices to residents.

Notify NYC alerted residents that Mayor Michael Bloomberg has issued a Weather Emergency Declaration citywide. The city’s failure to issue such a declaration during the December 26 blizzard is widely seen as a critical misstep in their response.

As part of the weather emergency, the public is urged to avoid all unnecessary driving for the duration of the storm and use public transportation (remember to check the MTA website for status updates).

Given the widespread problem of cars abandoned in the middle of the street during the last blizzard, hampering cleanup efforts, the city is also warning residents that any vehicle found blocking roadways or impeding the ability to plow streets will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Alternate Side Parking, payment at parking meters, and garbage collection are also suspended citywide until further notice.