Winter Storm Forecast: Prepare for snow and bitter cold in NYC, NY, NJ and CT

NEW YORK (WABC) – New York City and the tri-state region are bracing for a powerful winter storm followed by the coldest temperatures in two years.

AccuWeather forecasts snow will fall by midday Sunday, with rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches in the New York City metropolitan area and 4 to 8 inches to the north and west.

New York City is under a snow alert from 7 a.m. Sunday until 2 a.m. Monday.

Cleaners will begin snow preparations at midnight on Sunday. Plows are prepared and equipped with over 20 million pounds of salt. Once at least 5 cm of snowfall is reported, these teams will be activated to begin cleaning the streets.

“Thanks to a historic investment in personnel, equipment and technology, the department is able to salt and plow every neighborhood simultaneously and with the level of service provided, treating both bike and automobile paths simultaneously,” the department said in a news release read for hygiene.

The agency is recommending New Yorkers stay off the streets during the storm.

While the department takes care of clearing city streets, highways and bike paths, property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks and making them passable.

RELATED: Winter weather emergency resources for the New York region

Snow removal schedule for NYC residents
When the snow stops between:
Between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., property owners must clear sidewalks within 4 hours
Between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., property owners must clear sidewalks within 14 hours
9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Property owners must clear sidewalks by 11:00 a.m

Failure to clear sidewalks could result in a fine of $100 for the first offense, $150 for the second offense and $250 for the third offense.

As a reminder, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, alternate side parking rules will apply Monday, January 20th.

Any emergency communications regarding the storm will be distributed through NotifyNYC – the city’s free emergency notification system.

NEW YORK

Similar warnings and preparedness plans apply to areas north of New York City. Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging residents to take steps to ensure their safety.

“These conditions pose extraordinary risks to anyone exposed to the elements or unable to adequately heat their homes, and I encourage New Yorkers to take precautions to protect themselves and their families,” she said.

There are 1,630 large plow trucks available for use across the state, and hundreds more of various sizes are ready for service.

Drivers who have to travel in hazardous conditions can call 511 for up-to-date traffic and travel information.

NEW JERSEY

Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency for New Jersey starting at 8 a.m.

In Newark, snow is expected to cause flooding in certain areas. The state estimates there will be between three and five inches of snowfall.

A parking warning has been issued and drivers are expected to avoid streets with signs that say “Parking is prohibited on snow-covered roads.”

The Department of Safety will respond to activated burglar alarms, flooding and other weather-related incidents.

For non-weather emergencies, Newark residents are asked to call 973-733-6000 and 9-1-1 for all other emergencies.

CONNECTICUT

Gov. Ned Lamont advised residents to prepare for the first significant statewide snowfall the state has experienced so far this winter season. Motorists are urged to plan ahead and be prepared to stay off the roads during the peak of the storm.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s fleet of more than 600 snow plows and specialized snow removal equipment is operational throughout the state. Crews will be on standby throughout the weekend and will remain active until the roads are clear of snow and ice.

Due to the predicted extremely cold temperatures following the storm, Lamont also ordered the state’s extreme cold protocol to go into effect at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2025, and remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 24 . January 2025.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont is warning the state’s residents to stay indoors as extreme conditions could become life-threatening.

“Being outdoors for extended periods of time in these extreme conditions can be deadly, and we want to get the word out that emergency shelters and warming stations are available throughout Connecticut,” Lamont said in a statement.

Connecticut residents needing accommodations should call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org to view a list of available locations. If necessary, transport can be organized.

DANGEROUS COLD

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is urging residents experiencing heating problems during the cold snap to call 3-1-1.

“We have a cold blue issued for unprotected New Yorkers. So if you see someone in distress, please call 311 and sign up for Notify NYC to receive the latest weather updates and alerts. So remember to check our neighbors, make sure they know about all heating conditions. They can call 311 to report the lack of heat in their buildings, but we need to be there for each other and make sure our pets and other parts of New York are safe We are navigating “Through this cold weather pattern, we expected it.” said Adams during a press conference.

Homelessness amid the cold snap
Shelters are available for homeless people, especially during cold snaps. OEM Commissioner Zach Iscol wants New Yorkers to remain vigilant and help those who may need warm shelter.

“As the mayor said, if you see a vulnerable person who may need shelter, please do not hesitate to call 311,” he said.

“Take steps to stay warm if you have no heat or hot water, call your building manager if the problem cannot be resolved, call 311, call 911 for emergencies, always. Please subscribe to keep NYC informed of the latest updates and alerts. It is available in 14 languages ​​including America and American Sign Language.

Safety tips

Dress for cold weather

Don’t forget your pets

For more safety tips, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety. For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit www.211nys.org/.

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