Winter Weather Advisory Issued: Prepare For Snow Tonight And A Slippery Morning Commute Tomorrow

The New York City Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory beginning tonight.

The advisory goes into effect at 10pm this evening and lasts until 10am on Friday, January 6. The NWS forecasts 1″-4″ inches of snow throughout the five boroughs, as well as Long Island, coastal southern Connecticut, portions of northeastern New Jersey, and southern Westchester County.

Snow may impact Friday morning rush hour and temperatures are expected to be in the upper 20s.

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 Friday, January 6, however, meters will still be in effect.

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 warm, friends.