Are You Prepared?

Hazardous Travel Advisory and Winter Storm Warning for NYC

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for New York City in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Thursday, March 8, 2018.

According to the National Weather Service, a nor’easter is expected to bring a wintry mix of rain and snow late Tuesday, before changing over to snow early Wednesday morning. The heaviest period of snow is forecast for Wednesday afternoon through the evening commute.

Snow is expected to end Wednesday night. A total of 6 to 10 inches of snow is expected, with locally higher amounts possible. High winds are also in the forecast, with sustained winds 15 mph to 25 mph, and gusts up to 40 mph.

All winter weather information and information about the City’s response to the storm can be found by visiting the City’s Severe Weather website at nyc.gov/severeweather or by calling 311.

New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system online, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

Severe weather conditions can destroy storefront facades, building structures, roofs, awnings, shatter facade glass/windows, etc. Additionally, severe weather conditions can also damage sidewalks, equipment, and merchandise.

Once weather permits, business owners should be mindful of the following information:

Snow and ice must be removed within four hours after the snow has stopped falling or by 11 a.m. if the snow has not stopped falling after 9 p.m. the previous evening.

Snow must NOT be thrown into the street.

If the snow or ice becomes frozen so hard that it cannot be removed, the sidewalk can be strewn with ashes, sand, sawdust, or similar suitable material within the same time limits.

The sidewalk must be thoroughly cleaned as soon as the weather permits.

If there are high winds, please take in all loose standing objects that may become dislodged and harm pedestrians.

All ground level commercial/business owners should clear snow/ice from their awnings as soon as the weather permits to prevent structural collapse. If you have a retractable awning or shade, please close these devices.

One-story commercial property owners/lessees should clear snow/ice from their rooftops as soon as the weather permits to prevent possible collapse (a professional should perform this task).