Now THIS Is A Snow Storm: Everything You Need To Know To Get Through The Day
Was anyone else caught off guard by today’s snow? I mean, I knew it was going to snow, but I wasn’t prepared for the wall of white we woke up to today.
Here’s the rundown of what you need to know:
Weather conditions
As of right now, it appears there’s about three inches on the ground. It’s expected to hit between 5 and 8 inches throughout the day, and then turn into snow and freezing rain at night and into morning. The heaviest snowfall is expected to come between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Currently, we’re under a winter storm warning until 7 p.m. tonight, when the warning eases up into a winter storm watch through the night and into morning.
The difference between a winter storm warning and a winter storm watch is that a warning means that a hazardous winter event is occurring and likely to pose a threat to life and property. A watch is less severe, and indicates that a significant weather event is expected, but not imminent.
The current warning covers all five boroughs, Nassau County and parts of New Jersey.
Road conditions
Because the snow began with a light rain mixture, and will finish off tonight with a freezing rain, streets and sidewalks will be slippery throughout the day, night and tomorrow.
Making matters worse, visibility is significantly reduced. So try to stay off the roads if you can, and if you can’t, drive slowly and with consideration for others on the road.
If you must drive, the city recommends using major roadways and highways as these will be plowed first.
Alternate side parking rules are suspended, but payment at parking meters remains in effect.
Pedestrian and public safety
Remember to shovel a path in front of your home, but avoid overexertion when shoveling, and stretch before you go out (a major cause of death in the winter is heart attacks caused by overexertion while shoveling).
Keep dry, and watch for signs of frostbite, which includes the loss of body heat and white or pale appearance in extremities.
Mass transit
As far as mass transit, the MTA is not reporting snow related delays or problems in the subway system, but says that buses are running on a delayed schedule. Customers are urged to walk, and not run on staircases or platforms and to hold on to handrails when boarding and alighting from buses.
Public schools and garbage collection
Non-District 75 public high schools are closed for students but open for staff; all other public schools open. Field trips and after school programs have been canceled.
Useful links
Here are some links to keep track of local conditions and city service statuses.
- Sheepshead Bites’ website, Facebook and Twitter feeds, to keep informed of conditions on the ground in our neighborhood
- MTA.info (and on Twitter) to keep track of any bus and subway service adjustments due to the weather.
- New York City’s Office of Emergency Management (and on Twitter) in case things get really crazy.
- The Department of Transportation website to check in on traffic advisories, alternate side parking suspensions, or, if you’re just bored and want to watch the snow, the real time traffic cameras.
- The Department of Sanitation’s plow tracker, so you can flood my inbox with allegations that the DOS is lying.
- Here’s a list of safety suggestions from the city for both drivers and pedestrians.
Did we miss something you think is important? Have a question we didn’t answer? Let us know in the comments!