Winter Storm Updates

At 4:23pm, the NYC Department of Education announced that New York City schools will be open on Friday, January 5.

At 4:10pm The National Weather Service issued a Wind Chill Advisory in effect from Friday (Jan. 5) at 1:00am to Saturday (Jan. 6) at 10:00am.

A combination of very cold air and strong winds will generate low wind chills which can result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken.

How to Protect Yourself:

• If you must go outside, dress appropriately. Layer up and wear a hat and gloves.
• New Yorkers should check on their neighbors, friends, and relatives, especially the elderly and those with disabilities and access/functional needs during periods of extreme cold.
• Seniors, infants, people with chronic cardiovascular or lung conditions, people using alcohol or drugs, and people with cognitive disabilities (like dementia, serious mental illness, or developmental disability) are at increased risk.
• If you lose power and have a disability or access needs, or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 9-1-1.

For more information, visit www1.nyc.gov.

A wind chill warning has been issued by the city, from 1:00 am on Friday, December 5 (late tonight) until 10:00 am on Saturday, December 6.

Track snow removal on your street using NYC Department of Sanitation’s map.

Also note that garbage/recycling/organics collections are suspended to facilitate snow removal, according to the Mayor’s office.

Bus and subway service is running, and commuters are strongly urged to use public transportation, however the MTA suggests checking service status at mta.info before heading out.

Mayor de Blasio declared a Winter Weather Emergency for New York City approximately two hours ago. “We are currently experiencing blizzard-like conditions here in the City,” the Mayor said in a statement. “I want to emphasize to all New Yorkers, stay inside if you can. Don’t go out if you don’t have to. Our Sanitation Department is out in full force, but we need people to stay off of the roads so that our crews can do their jobs.”

At 12:30pm New York City DOT announced that Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be suspended Friday, January 5th and Saturday, January 6th for snow removal, but don’t forget to feed those parking meters.

At 12:05pm all flights at LaGuardia Airport have been temporarily suspended due to strong winds and whiteout conditions. Again, travelers are advised to check with their carriers to confirm delays and cancellations

At 11:25am all flights at JFK Airport have been temporarily suspended due to strong winds and whiteout conditions. Travelers are advised to check with their carriers to confirm delays and cancellations.

This post will be updated as weather and traffic information comes in throughout the day.

The National Weather Service and NYC Office of Emergency Management have issued a winter storm warning in effect from Thursday (January 4) at 1am through Friday (January 5) at 1am.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet, or ice accumulations that may impact travel. New Yorkers should prepare for snow covered roads and limited visibilities since high winds can cause blowing and drifting snow.

Commuters are advised to travel via mass transit when possible and to use caution when driving, walking, or bicycling. Alternate side parking has been suspended on Thursday and Friday for snow removal, but parking meters will remain in effect throughout the city.

Strong winds may cause power outages. To prepare for an outage, NYC Emergency Management advises New Yorkers to:

• Charge cell phones
• Gather supplies
• Turn refrigerator/freezers to a colder setting during an outage
• Stay clear of downed power lines
• Turn off all appliances
• Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed to prevent food spoilage
• Do not use generators indoors
• If you have a disability/access needs, or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911

NYC Emergency Management also advises New Yorkers to prepare for the cold. Forecasts predict temperatures to be in the upper 20s on Thursday, with wind chill values between 10 and 15 degrees. Temperatures Thursday night will be in the low teens, with wind chill values as low as minus 5 degrees.

Stay updated on DOE school closures on Twitter or Facebook.

For more info check out the National Weather Service website or NYC Emergency Management.