LIVE: New York Mayor Mamdani holds briefing on upcoming winter storm

New York City Snowstorm Press Conference Summary – January 26, 2024

Key Concepts:

• Brining: Applying a salt and water solution to roadways to prevent snow and ice adhesion.
• Bladeunner 2.0: DSNY’s real-time monitoring system for plowing and salting operations.
• Code Blue: Activation of emergency protocols to provide shelter for homeless individuals during extreme cold weather.
• Hazardous Travel Advisory: A warning issued to discourage unnecessary travel due to dangerous conditions.
• Notify NYC: New York City’s official alert and notification system.
• PSAL: Public School Athletic League – activities cancelled due to the storm.
• State of Emergency: Declared by the Governor to facilitate resource allocation and emergency response.

I. Overview of the Impending Storm & City Preparedness

A significant snowstorm is forecast to impact New York City late Saturday evening or early Sunday morning, potentially delivering one of the largest snowfalls in years – potentially exceeding a foot. The city is proactively preparing across all levels of government to ensure public safety, clear streets, and provide shelter for vulnerable populations. The Mayor emphasized the city’s preparedness, citing years of experience and dedicated city workers. The storm will also bring a cold front, triggering a “Code Blue” emergency.

II. Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Operations

The DSNY began brining highways and major roadways at 6:00 AM on January 26th. This process involves spraying a salt and water solution to hinder snow and ice accumulation. The city will mobilize “the nation’s largest snowfighting operation,” transforming DSNY collection trucks and agency partners into a snow removal force.

• Personnel: Over 2,000 sanitation workers will begin 12-hour shifts starting Saturday evening.
• Equipment: 700 salt spreaders will be deployed immediately upon the first snowflakes, followed by 2,200 plows once snow accumulation reaches two inches (likely Sunday morning).
• Monitoring: DSNY’s “Bladeunner 2.0” system will monitor plowing and salting in real-time, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all five boroughs.
• Resources: The city has procured 700 million pounds of salt in preparation.

III. Homeless Services & Code Blue Activation

A “Code Blue” has been enacted since the previous night due to the anticipated cold front.

• Outreach: DHS outreach workers are actively canvassing the five boroughs to connect homeless New Yorkers with shelter.
• Streamlined Intake: Standard intake procedures are being bypassed to expedite access to shelter for those in need. No one will be denied shelter.
• Capacity: Sufficient shelter capacity exists to accommodate those seeking refuge from the cold.

IV. School System & PSAL Activities

A decision regarding in-person versus remote learning for Monday will be communicated to families by noon on Sunday. The Mayor apologized for the lack of a traditional snow day, citing state-mandated instructional days.

• PSAL Cancellation: All Public School Athletic League (PSAL) activities are cancelled for Sunday.
• Remote Learning Preparation: The Department of Education (DOE) has been stress-testing the remote learning system to prevent the issues experienced during previous transitions. The system now has the capacity to handle one million students logging in simultaneously within 60 seconds.
• Staggered Schedule: A staggered schedule may be implemented for remote learning to further optimize system capacity.

V. Public Communication & Safety Advisories

The city will maintain consistent communication with New Yorkers throughout the storm.

• Notify NYC: Residents are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC (text “notify NYC” to 692692) to receive text alerts and updates.
• Regular Briefings: Regular briefings will be provided to the public.
• Hazardous Travel Advisory: A hazardous travel advisory is in effect for Sunday and Monday, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Residents are encouraged to complete essential errands today.

VI. MTA Preparedness & Operations

The MTA is preparing for significant impacts, with the Governor declaring a statewide state of emergency.

• Operational Status: The MTA will remain operational throughout the weekend.
• Equipment & Personnel: Equipment and personnel have been prepositioned.
• Subway Focus: Particular attention will be paid to the 220 miles of exposed subway track, utilizing snow-fighting trains and deicing systems.
• Bus Network: The bus network will be utilized to supplement subway service. Articulated buses will be temporarily removed from service for safety.
• Bridges & Tunnels: Over 9,000 tons of roadway deicer and 100 pieces of equipment are ready for deployment.
• Real-time Information: The MTA app, TrainTime app, social media, and digital screens in stations will provide updated service information.

VII. NYPD & FDNY Roles

The NYPD will assist with traffic routing. The FDNY will ensure emergency access is maintained. 311 and 911 operations will be fully staffed and prepared for increased call volume.

VIII. Lessons Learned & Future Planning

The Mayor acknowledged the historical importance of effectively handling snowstorms and emphasized the importance of overcommunication and proactive preparation. The city is committed to ensuring equitable plowing services across all five boroughs, utilizing the Bladeunner 2.0 system to monitor and address any disparities. The city is also exploring long-term solutions for street design and safety.

IX. Conclusion

The city is comprehensively prepared for the impending snowstorm, with a coordinated response involving multiple agencies and a commitment to public safety. The Mayor urged New Yorkers to stay home, stay safe, and allow city workers to effectively manage the storm. The city is confident in its ability to overcome the challenges posed by the storm and ensure a swift return to normalcy.

Notable Quotes:

• Mayor: “This is going to be a big storm, these are the kinds of challenges that New Yorkers and the hardworking men and women of New York City government overcome all the time.”
• MTA CEO Jenna Liieber: “New Yorkers have handled big storms, and we're ready to do this again this weekend.”
• Chancellor Kamar Samuels: “We want to make sure that especially since the pandemic, our children have missed more school than they did before. And we want to make sure that instruction continues even when it's disrupted by weather.”