The New York City Department of Sanitation has issued a Snow Alert for Tuesday, January 26, 2021, beginning at 02:00 a.m.
Based on current forecasts, the Department expects snowfall beginning early Tuesday morning and continuing throughout the day. Total accumulations of less than 2 inches are forecasted at this time. 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 here or by calling 311.
The Department is expecting snowfall, and its workers and equipment are prepared. Salt spreaders are filled and ready to go.
Additionally, some of the Department’s collection trucks will be pulled from collection duty and turned into snow plows, ready to plow snow in the event two inches of snow has fallen. Further, the Department used its “brine trucks” to apply liquid salt to some roadways and bike lanes starting Sunday evening. The brine, spread only before precipitation begins on dry streets, forms a barrier on the streets and helps keep snow and ice from accumulating.
In a Snow Alert, the Department coordinates with NYC Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation on snow clearing protocol in accordance with each agency’s written snow plan. All relevant city agencies have been notified of the snow alert.
Guidance for Open Restaurants
New this year, open restaurants and roadway dining may continue throughout this event. Restaurant owners may find additional information to prepare their spaces for snow here.
As a reminder, property owners, including restaurants with outdoor dining structures, may NOT push snow into the street. This impedes snow clearing operations and is illegal. Snow may be moved against the building, to the curb line, or areas on private property. Sidewalks should be passable for all pedestrians, including a minimum 4-foot clear path, where possible.
New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can sign up to receive phone calls, text messages, and emails alerts about severe weather events and emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, please call 311, visit nyc.gov or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
Find information on Sanitation snow operations along with residents’ responsibilities during and after snow here.
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About the New York City Department of Sanitation
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) keeps New York City healthy, safe and clean by collecting, recycling and disposing of waste, cleaning streets and vacant lots, and clearing snow and ice. The Department operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks, 450 mechanical brooms and 705 salt spreaders. The Department clears litter, snow and ice from approximately 6,500 miles of City streets and removes debris from vacant lots as well as abandoned vehicles from City streets.
To learn more, please visit here.
