Blizzard Warning: Everything You Need To Know

These winter weather advisories are beginning to sound like the boy who cried wolf, but this time it’s cranked up a notch: officials are calling for a severe winter storm that could bury the city under more than a foot of snow by tomorrow night.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for New York City from midnight tonight to midnight tomorrow, Tuesday, March 15. As of this morning, the forecast calls for 12–20 inches of snow, winds of 25–35mph with gusts up to 55mph, and cold temperatures.

Snowfall rates of 2–4 inches per hour may cause whiteout conditions with less than a quarter mile visibility, making travel dangerous. New Yorkers are advised to stay off the roads if possible or use mass transit.

Alternate side parking has been suspended on Tuesday, March 14 and Wednesday, March 15 for snow removal. Meters remain in effect.

Update 12:15pm: NYC DOT announced that all New York City public schools will be closed on Tuesday, March 14.

Blizzard Preparation

• Be prepared to potentially lose power. Charge cell phone batteries and gather supplies, turn refrigerators/freezers to a colder setting. Stay clear of downed power lines.
• If you are affected by an outage, turn off appliances & keep refrigerator doors closed to prevent food spoilage. Do not use generators indoors.
• Ensure that you have any snow removal equipment necessary.
• Fill your car with gas, and ensure you have working windshield wipers and wiper fluid.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit with batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food, phone chargers, water, and any specialty items needed for children or seniors.
• Check in on elderly relatives and neighbors who may need assistance preparing for and during a snowstorm.
• Let faucets drip a little to prevent freezing.
• Stock up on groceries to last through the storm, and for a couple of days further, in case of difficulties in traveling.

Snow Removal — What’s required from NYC.gov:

• Every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any lot or building must clean snow and or ice from the sidewalk.
• Snow and ice must be removed within 4 hours after the snow has stopped falling or by 11am if the snow has not stopped falling after 9pm the previous evening.
• Snow must NOT be thrown into the street.
• If the snow or ice becomes frozen so hard that it cannot be removed, the sidewalk can be strewn with ashes, sand, sawdust, or similar suitable material within the same time limits.
• The sidewalk must be thoroughly cleaned as soon as the weather permits.
• If there are high winds, please take in all loose standing objects that may become dislodged and harm pedestrians.
• All ground level commercial/business owners should clear the snow/ice from their awnings as soon as the weather permits to prevent structural collapse. If you have a retractable awning or shade, please close these devices.
• One-story commercial property owners/lessees should clear the snow/ice from their rooftops as soon as the weather permits to prevent possible collapse (a professional should perform this task).

• The fine for violating any of these rules is between $100 and $150 for the first offense, and as high as $350 for subsequent offenses, according to city notices.

What’s recommended:

• During heavy snowfall, clear your sidewalk before the snow stops falling. It’s courteous to neighbors who may still have to get around, and it will make the job easier for yourself at the end of the day.
• Check on your neighbors. If you live next to an elderly or disabled person, lend a hand and shovel for them.
• Avoid using salt unless absolutely necessary. It can damage the sidewalk, leading to costly repairs for you down the road. Use kitty litter or sand instead.
• If someone does slip and fall, go and see if they’re okay.
• Cleaning up your dog’s poop is still legally required, even if it’s sitting in some snow. Don’t be a jerk.

Want to see if the roads you need to travel on have been cleared? Check out the city’s Plow Tracker.

Snow Photos

Finally, if trees fall or cars get stuck or anything interesting happens on your block, let us know and send photos and info our way at editor@bklyner.com.