STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As New York City’s first blizzard in a decade stares down the five boroughs, some residents might be wondering when the Sanitation Department’s plows will activate.
It’s important to keep in mind that there is a requirement that needs to be met in order for the department’s plows to be activated within the five boroughs.
“Plows operate when the streets have at least 2 inches of snow on them. The plow is raised a bit off the ground to avoid ‘tripping’ on things like manhole covers,” A Sanitation spokesperson explained in early February.
Without meeting the 2-inch minimum, the plows — and PlowNYC, the city’s plow map — do not deploy. This standard has been held for roughly a decade, the spokesperson said.
When deployed, each of the plows can be tracked through the department’s PlowNYC map, which can be found at plownyc.cityofnewyork.us/plownyc/.
Note that the 700 salt spreaders the department is deploying are not tracked on the PlowNYC map.
“New Yorkers should know: DSNY is working to ensure your safety. Do your part both for yourself and for the Strongest by staying off the roads during active precipitation or, if you absolutely must drive, by doing so slowly, safely and carefully. Conditions Sunday night may be very dangerous,” a DSNY alert cautioned.
The department is hiring 1,000 emergency snow shovelers to help with cleaning operations.
“During the last storm, vehicles that were parked in bus lanes were snowed in for days, significantly worsening traffic conditions and making it difficult for buses and emergency vehicles to pass. In preparation for the upcoming storm, our office has coordinated with DOT and NYPD to have temporary signage posted along Hylan Boulevard,” Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said.
Fossella continued on to say, “Beginning today, from Guyon Avenue to Steuben Street, signs will be placed asking residents not to park in bus lanes for 48 hours due to the snowstorm. These measures will help ensure buses can operate safely and allow Sanitation crews to effectively clear the roads.”
“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation. Stay warm and stay safe, Staten Island,” Fossella said.
New York City has already issued a blizzard warning for the storm, which could bring over 20 inches of snow.
According to the National Weather Service, the blizzard warning is in effect from 1 p.m. on Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday.
Travel is expected to turn dangerous overnight into Monday morning as heavy snow, wind gusts up to 55 mph and possible whiteout conditions hit the city.