New Yorkers woke up Friday morning to a blanket of snow that fell overnight creating hazardous conditions for the morning commute.
Reports indicate that the city could see up to 6 inches once the snow tappers off by late Friday morning. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisory that will remain in effect until noon Friday. The forecast is calling for skies to become gradually sunny with temperatures remaining in the 30s.
The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a snow alert and activated PlowNYC dispatching 1300 plows and will dispatch more plows available if necessary.
Drivers are being advised to drive slowly and use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible. Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces.
The MTA is urging customers to avoid unnecessary travel. MTA employees are spreading salt and clearing surfaces of snow, keeping signals, switches, and third rail operating and will attend to any weather-related challenges.
“While we are encouraging riders to avoid non-essential travel, the subway, bus and paratransit system will be running for those who need it,” said Craig Cipriano, New York City Transit Interim President. “Subway crews will be out before, during and after the storm to make sure staircases and platforms are clear. On buses, articulated buses will be fitted for chains ahead of the Friday morning rush hour. We will continue to carefully monitor road conditions and will be working with our partners at the New York City Department of Sanitation to make sure bus routes are passable.”
While the underground portions of the subway system remain unaffected, outdoor tracks are being impacted. Articulated buses are fitted with chains. Bus managers have technology that tracks headways and service in real-time allowing them to make service-related decisions more efficiently. Bus service will be adjusted based on road conditions around the city and service curtailments on a route-by-route basis are possible.
NYC Public Schools remain open. The Department of Education tweeted Thursday night that all programs and activities will be held as scheduled and staff and student weather-related lateness will be excused.