NYCEM Issues Weather Alert Saturday Into Sunday, Monitoring Potential Winter Storm

Emergency Management


Press Release


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NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES WEATHER ALERT FOR SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY

Agency Continues to Monitor Potential Winter Storm

January 4, 2024 — The NYC Department of Emergency Management has issued a weather alert for Saturday, January 6 into Sunday, January 7, 2024. According to the National Weather Service, light snow and a wintry mix begin early Saturday afternoon, becoming increasingly likely by the evening. Rain continues to mix with snow overnight, particularly along the coast, with precipitation tapering off Sunday morning. Spotty snow showers may continue through the afternoon or early evening. Wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph overnight and minor coastal flooding on Sunday morning will also be possible.

The current forecast calls for snowfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches in the northern boroughs with less than half an inch along the coast. If conditions trend colder, reasonable worst-case amounts of 3 to 5 will be possible in the northern boroughs, with 1 to 2 inches elsewhere across the city. Snowfall is expected to be wet, so full accumulation is not expected. Slick roadways and minor travel impacts will be possible during periods of snow. Icy conditions are not expected at this time.

“With initial forecasts predicting a potentially significant storm hitting the tri-state area this weekend, our agencies are prepared to handle anything that’s thrown our way,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We’ll continue to keep New Yorkers updated about what to expect and our preparations for the storm. As always, the best way to stay safe is to stay informed – so sign up for Notify NYC to get the latest information directly from the city.”

“As the tri-state area anticipates a winter weather system this weekend that could bring substantial impact, New York City’s agencies are prepared and are actively coordinating with the National Weather Service and our utility partners to ensure a comprehensive response to mitigate and address any potential effects from this weather,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “I encourage all New Yorkers to closely monitor the forecast and to subscribe to Notify NYC, the city’s free verified emergency alert system.”

“Thanks to historic investments in the Sanitation Department, we have the highest uniformed headcount in decades heading into this winter. We are ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way,” said Jessica Tisch, Commissioner, NYC Department of Sanitation.

NYC Emergency Management has conducted coordination calls and briefings with the National Weather Service, partner city and state agencies, and infrastructure and utility companies. NYCEM has enhanced staffing at its Watch Command, which maintains 24/7 surveillance and response over weather developments and emergency situations, ensuring continuous monitoring, readiness, and interagency coordination. Additionally, it has bolstered its Response Unit to provide support to the city’s field operations and ensure the provision of emergency logistics and communications. Furthermore, NYCEM’s Emergency Operations Center, which is currently active for asylum seeker operations, remains fully operational as a hub of coordination and response, enabling the city to effectively manage multiple ongoing operations simultaneously.

NYC Emergency Management offered New Yorkers tips on staying safe before, during, and after winter storms: https://www.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/winter-weather-prep.page.

Safety Tips

Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications online or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

Allow for extra travel time and expect delays with little to no notice. Use public transportation whenever possible.

If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.

If you live in a basement apartment, or in a low-lying, flood-prone, or poor drainage area, be prepared to move to higher ground or leave your apartment should conditions worsen.

Turn around, don't drown. Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.

Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

Charge your phones and keep a flashlight and batteries handy. If you lose power and have a disability and/or use life-sustaining equipment and need immediate assistance, call 911.

To report power outages, downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment, call your power provider immediately to report the outage. Con Edison’s 24-hour hotline is 800-75-CONED (752-6633) (TTY: 800-642-2308). You can also report an outage online on Con Edison's website. National Grid’s 24-hour hotline is 718-643-4050 (TTY: 718-237-2857). PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour hotline is 800-490-0025 (TTY: 631-755-6660)

Prepare your property by bringing inside loose, lightweight, or unsecured objects such as holiday decorations, lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, and garden tools.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: X (formerly Twitter): @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications)

@nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)

Facebook: /NYCemergencymanagement

Safety Tips

Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications online or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

Allow for extra travel time and expect delays with little to no notice. Use public transportation whenever possible.

If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.

If you live in a basement apartment, or in a low-lying, flood-prone, or poor drainage area, be prepared to move to higher ground or leave your apartment should conditions worsen.

Turn around, don't drown. Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.

Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

Charge your phones and keep a flashlight and batteries handy. If you lose power and have a disability and/or use life-sustaining equipment and need immediate assistance, call 911.

To report power outages, downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment, call your power provider immediately to report the outage. Con Edison’s 24-hour hotline is 800-75-CONED (752-6633) (TTY: 800-642-2308). You can also report an outage online on Con Edison's website. National Grid’s 24-hour hotline is 718-643-4050 (TTY: 718-237-2857). PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour hotline is 800-490-0025 (TTY: 631-755-6660)

Prepare your property by bringing inside loose, lightweight, or unsecured objects such as holiday decorations, lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, and garden tools.

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT: Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications)

@nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)

Facebook: /NYCemergencymanagement