Winter Storm Warning Issued For Tomorrow (This Is Not A Drill)

As strange as this sounds on a 60-degree afternoon, forecasters say Brooklyn could be hit with 6 to 12 inches of snow tomorrow.

The National Weather Service and NYC Office of Emergency Management have issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect Thursday, February 9 from midnight through 6pm. Snow is expected to begin late tonight, and turn heavy tomorrow with periods of freezing rain.

A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet, or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties, including slippery roads and limited visibility. Drivers are asked to use caution while on the roads.

Alternate side parking has been suspended on Thursday, February 9, but meters will still be in effect.

Bring your winter coat back out of hiding: Temperatures are expected to plummet to freezing tonight, with wind chill values between 25 and 30 degrees. Forecasts predict temperatures will continue to drop Thursday, with highs around freezing and wind chill values in the teens. Then on Thursday night, temps drop to the teens with wind chill values as low as single digits and return back up to freezing on Friday.

Some tips from the Mayor’s Office 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

You can find other cold weather tips here (sigh), stay updated with DOE school closures on twitter or facebook, and prep for some fun snow day activities just in case.