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

NEW YORK (WABC) — New York City and the Tri-State area are bracing for a significant winter storm followed by the coldest temperatures in 2 years.

AccuWeather predicts the snow will arrive by noon Sunday, dropping 2-4 inches in the New York City metro area and 4-8 inches to the north and west.

New York City will be under a snow warning from 7 a.m. Sunday until 2 a.m. Monday.

Sanitation crews will begin snow preparation at midnight Sunday. The plows will be prepared and equipped with over 20 million pounds of salt. When two inches or more of snowfall is reported, these crews will be activated to begin clearing the streets.

“Thanks to a historic investment in personnel, equipment and technology, the department is able to salt and plow every neighborhood at the same time and service level as warranted and treat both bike lanes and car lanes simultaneously,” a Department of Sanitation press release read.

The agency recommends that New Yorkers stay off the roads during the storm.

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

RELATED: Winter weather emergency resources for New York area

Snow Plow Schedule for NYC Residents
If the snow stops falling between:
7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. property owners must clear sidewalks within 4 hours
17.00 and 21.00 property owners must clear sidewalks within 14 hours
21.00 and 07.00, property owners must clear pavements no later than 11 a.m

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

As a reminder, alternate side parking rules are suspended until Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

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

NEW YORK

Similar warnings and preparedness plans are in place for areas north of New York City. Governor Kathy Hochul is urging residents to take steps to ensure their safety.

“These conditions pose an extraordinary risk to anyone exposed to the elements or unable to adequately heat their homes, and I urge New Yorkers to take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe,” she said.

Across the state, 1,630 large plow trucks are ready to be deployed, and hundreds of others of various sizes are set and ready to go.

Motorists who must travel in hazardous conditions can call 511 for the latest traffic and travel information.

NEW JERSEY

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

In Newark, snow is expected to bring flooding to some areas. The state estimates somewhere between three and five centimeters of snowfall.

A parking advisory has been issued and motorists are expected to avoid streets marked “No Parking on Snow Covered Roads”.

The Ministry of Security will respond to activated burglar alarms, floods and other weather-related incidents.

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

CONNECTICUT

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

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

Because of the brutally cold temperatures expected to arrive after the storm, Lamont also directed the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol to go into effect from 1 p.m. 18.00 on Sunday 19 January 2025 and remain in force until 12.00 Friday 24 January 2025.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont is warning citizens to stay indoors as extreme conditions can become life-threatening.

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

For Connecticut residents who need a place to stay, they should call 2-1-1 or they can visit 211ct.org to read a list of available locations. Transport can be arranged if necessary.

DANGEROUSLY COLD

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

“We have a cold blue, it’s been issued, issued to uneducated New Yorkers. So if you see someone in distress, please call 311 and sign up for Notify NYC for the latest weather updates and alerts, and remember to check on our neighbors, make sure they know about any heat conditions that they can call 311 to report a lack of heat in their buildings, but we have to be here for each other and make sure our pets and other parts of New York are safe as we navigate through this cold weather that we expected,” Adams said during a news conference.

Homelessness in the middle of a cold wave
Shelters are available for the homeless, especially during the cold wave. OEM Commissioner Zach Iscol wants New Yorkers to be vigilant and help those who may need a warm place to stay.

“As the mayor said, don’t hesitate to call 311 if you see a vulnerable person who may need housing,” he said.

“Take steps to stay warm if you don’t have heat or hot water, call your building manager if it’s not fixed, call 311, in an emergency, call 911 and always. Please sign up to notify NYC of the latest updates and alerts It is available in 14 languages, including America, American Sign Language.”

Safety tips

Dress for cold weather

Dress in layers and cover exposed skin

Warm hat and gloves; face mask for extreme cold

2-3 layers of upper body clothing and 1-2 layers of lower body clothing

An outer layer to keep out wind and wet snow

Waterproof boots

Don’t forget your pets

Keep pets warm, dry and indoors whenever possible.

Make sure you have plenty of food and water, because dehydration is especially dangerous in winter.

Keep pets together when outside, limit their time outside and clean them thoroughly, including paws, when bringing pets indoors.

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

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