BOSTON – Two to three feet of snow will impact parts of the Northeastern United States. Officials are alerting residents to find safe places to hunker down for the blizzard that is expect to hit full power later today.
In New York, Sanitation officials are getting focused on dealing with the massive amounts of snow.
Officials are very concerned that the high winds forecast to accompany the snow could knock out electricity of thousands of customers. Coupled with the large amounts of snow, it is possible, according to government officials that it could take several days to restore power.
The storm has already hit hard on aviation – there are 1800 flights which have been cancelled today, and additional flights being cancelled for Tuesday.
Schools are being released early today, but there have not been decisions made yet about classes on Tuesday. If the storm hits with the full forecast, it is very difficult to figure that schools would be able to open.
New York Prepares for Blizzard
The National Weather Service has issued a city-wide Blizzard Warning, which is in effect from Monday, Jan. 26, at 1 PM, until Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 12 AM. The current forecast calls for 18 to 24 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible and snowfall rates of up to 2 to 4 inches per hour late Monday night into Tuesday morning. Northern winds of 20 to 30 MPH are forecast, with gusts of up to 55 MPH possible. Temperatures in the lower 20s are expected, with visibilities of one quarter mile or less at times.
- New Yorkers are strongly advised to take steps to prepare. Visit the NYC Hazards: Winter Weather webpages for tips and information.
- Call 311 or contact 311 online for nonemergency situations. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
- Plan ahead for your needs. During an emergency, your normal way of communicating may be affected by changes in environment, noise, or confusion. Know how and what you will need to communicate during an emergency.
- Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors. Offer to help individuals who require special assistance, including seniors and persons with disabilities and access and functional needs.
- New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about severe weather events and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, visit Notify NYC online, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
- The NYC Department of Sanitation has issued a snow alert beginning Monday, Jan. 26, at 12:01 AM.
- Alternate Side Parking is suspended on Monday, Jan. 26, and Tuesday, Jan. 27. Parking meters will remain in effect.
- New Yorkers are advised to stay out of New York City parks during the storm for their safety. The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation will be tracking downed trees and tree limbs throughout the city.
- After-school activities, PSAL, and evening adult education programs are cancelled Monday, Jan. 26. School field trips are also cancelled. Schools will be open on Monday for the regular school day. Schools will also administer Regents exams as scheduled.
- Schools likely will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 27. An official announcement will follow.
- The NYC Department of Homeless Services’ annual HOPE Count has been cancelled, and will be rescheduled at a later date.
