NEW YORK (PIX11) – People and agencies are bracing for a cold reminder of winter’s power.
New York City officials and the MTA say preparations are already underway, and public cooperation is critical.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged the storm presents an early challenge for his administration but expressed confidence in the city’s ability to manage it.
“This is going to be a big storm, but this is the kind of thing that New Yorkers and the government overcome all the time. The thing that worries me the most is whether New Yorkers go about their lives as if there were no storm. We want people to stay home,” said the mayor.
Signs are visible across the city. White lines of a salt-and-water solution that helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to pavement have been sprayed along highways and major roadways.
Sanitation crews began treating streets at 6 a.m. Friday. Crews begin spreading salt as soon as precipitation starts, with plowing operations kicking in once snow accumulation reaches two inches.
Residents are adjusting plans.
On the Lower East Side, Aaron said he will stay indoors.
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“If it’s gonna be as bad as they say, I’m gonna be inside. I’m gonna lay low,” he said. “I’m not gonna try to go out. It’s nuts to go out in it,” Aaron said.
City officials say staying off the roads will help sanitation trucks and first responders do their jobs more efficiently once snow begins falling, which forecasters expect sometime Sunday morning.
The city monitors plowing and salting operations in real time. A system called Bladerunner tracks progress street by street. People can also search maps using “plowNYC” on the city website.
“Every part of the city will be met with the services of the government,” Mayor Mamdani promised.
Transit officials and crews prepare the system and vehicles.
At the 38th Street Yard in Sunset Park, NYC Transit General Superintendent Ravi Ganapat said six de-icer trains have been positioned throughout the system, which includes about 220 miles of above-ground track.
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“We treat the rails before and during the storm. We follow the passenger trains,” he explained.
The MTA says regular train service itself helps keep tracks clear. Some service changes are possible depending on conditions.
“We will protect the riders, protect the system, and protect our employees. We pre-position a ton of equipment, and I want to thank the workforce in advance and city agencies working 24/7,” said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber.
Buses will be equipped with chains, which improve traction. Commuter railroads may shift to hourly service on Sunday if conditions worsen.
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