The Advance Warning System (AWS) disseminates information to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs through their service providers. Please share the important information below with your clients and other agencies or individuals to empower them to make informed decisions.
NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES A TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
Winter Weather Advisory in effect for New York City from 3 a.m. through 11 a.m. Wednesday
December 10, 2019 — The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a travel advisory for Wednesday, December 11. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for New York City in effect from 3 a.m. through 11 a.m. Wednesday.
According to the latest National Weather Service forecast, rain will transition to a wintry mix of rain and snow early Wednesday morning, before transitioning to snow by the morning commute. Light to moderate snow is forecast to continue through the late morning before tapering off in the early afternoon. A total accumulation of two inches of snow is forecast, with locally higher amounts possible. New Yorkers should prepare for messy road conditions during Wednesday morning’s commute. The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has designated Wednesday, one of the busiest traffic days of the year, a Gridlock Alert Day. New Yorkers are asked to consider the use of public transportation wherever possible. For more information on Gridlock Alert Days, visit NYC.gov/DOT.
“As the rain transitions to snow Wednesday morning, you could face messy road conditions during your morning commute. Public transportation is the best way to get around, as it helps to alleviate any potential gridlock,” NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell said. “I encourage New Yorkers to allow for extra travel time and exercise caution during their commutes.”
NYC Emergency Management is coordinating the City’s preparations for the upcoming inclement weather and is working closely with National Weather Service to monitor the forecast. The agency has convened daily winter weather steering committee calls to discuss agency actions ahead of the storm. The City’s Emergency Operations Center will open at 10 p.m. Tuesday night to coordinate a rapid response to potential impacts associated with the forecast.
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will be ready for the storm and will have 705 salt spreaders deployed across the five boroughs. They will dispatch plows if two inches of snow has accumulated.
DOT is pre-deploying crews to the East River bridges, will pre-salt walkways at the ferry terminal and muni lots, and will continue to monitor these locations. DOT will monitor conditions on the citywide Transportation network at the Joint Transportation Management Center with State DOT and NYPD, and coordinate efforts to address any issues.
Safety Tips
- Allow for extra travel time, and exercise caution when driving, walking or biking. Consider taking public transportation wherever possible.
- Small accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorist and pedestrians. Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces.
- Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
- If you drive, use extra caution. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
- Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they stop less quickly 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 snowy conditions.
- Keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.
- Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.
- Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.
- Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors who may need help in inclement weather — especially older adults or people with disabilities.
For more information, visit NYC.gov/EmergencyManagement. New Yorkers are also encouraged to download the free Notify NYC mobile application, which is available from iTunes or Google Play. Notify NYC is the City’s free emergency notification system that allows New Yorkers to also receive phone calls, text messages, and/or email alerts about weather conditions and other emergencies. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
The Advance Warning System (AWS) alerts organizations who work with people with disabilities and access and functional needs to various types of hazards and emergencies in New York City that may affect people's independence and daily lives. Participating organizations receive public preparedness and emergency information that they can relay to their clients and other similar agencies. If you work for an organization that serves people with disabilities or access and functional needs you can subscribe for AWS Alerts at the following link: https://www.advancewarningsystemnyc.org/aws
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