Snow Warning Issued for Last Weekend of the Year
After a couple days of frigid cold, it looks like snow will carry us out of 2017 and into the new year.
The New York City Department of Sanitation has issued a “Snow Alert” for Saturday, December 30, 2017, starting at 6 am. Temperatures will be marginally warmer than the last few days, with highs expected around 27 degrees, and snow predicted to accumulate in the afternoon.
The Department of Transportation announced that Alternate Side Parking regulations will be suspended Saturday. Metered parking, however, will remain in effect.
Some tips from the New York City Emergency Management Department regarding driving in snowy or icy conditions:
- Drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement
Use major streets or highways for travel where possible - Install good winter tires that have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions
- Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles
- Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in icy or snowy conditions
- If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle
- Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible
- Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck
- If you get stuck on the road, stay with your car and contact a towing company.
As always, be careful out there! When out celebrating New Years Eve, be aware that roads may still be icy. If you’re going to a party, always make sure to designate a driver—winter weather or not!