Key Highlights
- New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut under winter storm warnings.
- New York City schools may face remote learning or closures due to the storm.
- New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declares a state of emergency for all 21 counties.
- Local governments prepare for significant snowfall and travel disruptions.
Winter Storm Warnings Issued: Preparations in Full Swing Across the Tri-State Area
The winter storm is making its presence felt across the northeastern United States, with New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut bracing for significant snowfall. Preliminary forecasts indicate that much of the tri-state area can expect 8-12 inches of snow, with areas along the coast potentially seeing slightly lower totals.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City expressed concern over the potential impact on education. “I have to apologize to the students that were hoping for a different answer (for a snow day off),” he said at a press briefing today, noting that the city will decide by noon Sunday whether public school children will attend class in person or participate in remote learning.
Meanwhile, Governor Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties. “This is not an average storm,” she said during her Friday afternoon press conference, adding that it may be the worst one seen in about a decade. The governor urged residents to stay home and avoid travel starting Saturday night through Monday morning.
Local Governments Gear Up for Major Snowfall
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a Snow Alert, set to begin at 1 a.m. Sunday. DSNY began applying brine to highways, streets, and bike lanes starting Friday morning, as part of their pre-storm preparations.
Local towns in New Jersey are also making preparations for the severe winter weather.
Fairfield Emergency Management Coordinator Lt. RJ Casendino stated that the town should expect a full snow event with little to no ice predicted at this time, and no significant wind impacts expected.
Travel Disruptions and Safety Measures
Retail chains like Walmart and Target are making preparations for potential travel disruptions. A spokesperson from Walmart noted that they have been stockpiling essentials like blankets and batteries in stores to ensure availability during the storm. Target is also working quickly to keep high-demand products available, recommending customers check their websites or apps before heading out.
Telecom companies such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are preparing backup power, including generators, and boosting network capacity for higher call volume. They recommend that customers charge their phones ahead of the storm, save battery, limit nonemergency calls, and keep devices dry.
Emergency Preparedness Tips
To help residents prepare for the severe weather, Mayor Mamdani is urging everyone across the city to sign up for NotifyNYC for real-time alerts and updates during the storm. The Department of Buildings has advised New Yorkers to bring inside any loose and lightweight items that could possibly blow around or away as a result of winds.
With wind gusts of up to 35 mph expected starting Sunday, the MTA will be operational this weekend, equipped with snow-fighting equipment. Long buses will be taken out of service for safety reasons, while all other buses will be outfitted with chains to ensure safe travel through the storm.
The forecast suggests that the winter storm is likely to affect more than 20 states across the country, bringing major impacts from Sunday into Monday. As the storm approaches, local governments and emergency services are working tirelessly to prepare for the potential disruption it may bring.
