The Blizzard Showed Up! Important Transportation And Other Information For Today And The Weekend

Fort Greene Focus -
Image via daneawisher.

Well, the blizzard really showed up this time. And as of this article (Saturday, January 23 at 1:10pm), the snow is still going strong.

Whether you’re cozying up inside, or venturing out for a little looksee, here are some updates and announcements you should be aware of for today:

TRANSPORTATION

  • Due to severe weather, there is no MTA bus or Access-A-Ride service effective 12pm until further notice.
  • Due to inclement weather conditions, all Long Island Rail Road service, Metro-North Railroad service, and elevated subway lines are suspended effective as of 4:00pm. Here’s a MAP of subway lines that remain in service.
  • Vehicle travel ban for NYC: As of 2:30pm, all non-essential vehicle travel is banned. Only emergency vehicles are allowed on the roads. (Update: the travel van may be lifted as of 7am Sunday, January 24.)
  • Alternate Side Parking regulations are suspended through Monday, January 25 to facilitate snow removal. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the City. For more information, please visit http://on.nyc.gov/1cAl5rj.
Image via New York State.

GENERAL SERVICES

  • NYC’s snow forecast is now 20-24 inches with intermittent wind gusts in excess of 40 MPH. This means people should use caution when walking or driving high profile vehicles. Winds at these speeds can cause flying debris, turn unsecured objects into projectiles, and cause power outages.
  • Charge cell phone batteries, gather supplies, and turn refrigerators and freezers to a colder setting. Always stay clear of downed power lines. If you are affected by an outage, turn off all appliances and keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prevent food spoilage. Do not use generators indoors. If you lose power and have a disability or access needs, or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, please dial 9-1-1.
  • Con Edison 24-hour hotline: 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). Customers can report downed power lines, outages and check service restoration status at www.conEd.com or by calling.
  • National Grid 24-hour hotline: 1-718-643-4050
  • MTA: 511
Image via kcinrabot.

LOCAL SERVICES

  • All Brooklyn Public Library locations will be closed on Saturday January 23, 2016 due to the weather. Due dates for items scheduled to be returned for Saturday and Sunday (January 23 and 24) are extended until Monday January 25, 2016.
  • Be sure to check in on your neighbors who you think may need assistance.
  • Patronize the local businesses within walking distance whose workers came out and are sort of stranded unless they reopen!
  • Take care of your pets! The ASPCA sent out these helpful tips to keep your pets safe during walks and frolicking out in a blizzard.
Image via thistleclover.

NYCHA

  • Throughout the storm, residents should contact the Customer Contact Center (CCC) which is available 24/7 to report any heat and/or hot water issues and other maintenance concerns at: (718) 707-7771.
  • During the winter storm, please throw your garbage down the chute located in the hallway of each floor (if they are in your building). Please wait until after the storm to dispose of large bulky items such as old furniture and large boxes. It is important to keep walkways clear of trash and any other items that could hinder our snow removal efforts.
  • NYCHA is hiring residents 18+ y/o as emergency laborers Sunday, January 24 to help remove snow. Contact your property management office to apply.
  • Additional tips via the NYCHA Winter Storm Notice available here.

Have you found your fun indoor activity? Send us your photos of winter fun or frustration, by emailing editor@bklyner.com or tagging us in Instagram (@fortgreenefocus) with the hashtag #ftgfocus!