FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release 11-04
Monday, January 31, 2011

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES RUSH HOUR HAZARDOUS TRAVEL ADVISORY

The New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) today issued a Hazardous Travel Advisory due to a mixed forecast of snow with sleet and freezing rain. The dangerous conditions will start during the Tuesday morning rush hour and could continue through the Wednesday evening rush hour.

The National Weather Service forecasts two to four inches of snow, a quarter of an inch of ice and up to one inch of rain for the New York City area early Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening. OEM strongly recommends that people use mass transit and avoid driving during and immediately after the snow storm. Information about any service changes to public transportation is available on the MTA website at http://www.mta.info/. For real-time updates on hazardous conditions in New York City, sign up for Notify NYC at www.NYC.gov/notifynyc. 

For Motorists

• If you must drive a vehicle, monitor weather and traffic reports for the latest road conditions.
• Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible as these roadways will be cleared first.
• Drive slowly. Vehicles, including those with 4-wheel drive, take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
• Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck in the snow.
• If you get stuck on the road stay with your car and contact a towing company.

For Pedestrians

• Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces.
• Wear layers including a hat, gloves and scarf to stay protected from the cold. And, keep clothes and shoes dry.
• Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections. 

Fire Hydrants

• Snow covered fire hydrants are a potentially dangerous condition that may impede fire fighting operations. Property owners are urged to clear snow from fire hydrants in front of or adjacent to their property.

Snow and Ice Removal

• All builders, contractors, and property owners are reminded to take preventative action to safely remove ice and snow from flat top roofs, overhangs, and awnings and secure their construction sites and buildings in preparation for the coming storm.

Suspension of Alternate Side Parking Regulations

• The New York City Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Department of Sanitation, has suspended Alternate Side Parking Regulations citywide until further notice to facilitate snow removal.
• Payment at parking meters is also suspended throughout the city until further notice.

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Contact: Chris Gilbride (718) 422-4888