NYC OEM Hazardous Travel Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE#10-14

OEM ISSUES HAZARDOUS TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY

Thursday AM, PM, & Friday AM Rushes Most Impacted 

Heavy, Wet Snow Expected; Rain, Freezing Rain, & Sleet Forecast for Late Afternoon Thursday 

February 12, 2014 — The New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) today issued a Hazardous Travel Advisory for Thursday, February 13, and Friday, February 14. The National Weather Service has forecast 8 to 12 inches of snow accumulation through Thursday evening, with 4 to 7 inches of snow forecast for the Thursday morning commute. The snow is forecasted to change to a wintry mix or all rain in the late afternoon before changing back to snow with an additional 2 to 5 inches of accumulation Thursday evening. Temperatures will be in the 30s. The Department of Sanitation has issued a Snow Alert for Thursday at 1AM. The plow tracker will be available tomorrow at nyc.gov/severeweather. OEM encourages New Yorkers to take the following precautions: 

For Motorists

• If you must drive a vehicle, monitor weather and traffic reports for the latest road conditions. Use mass transportation whenever possible.
• 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; some ice may not be visible.
• Wear layers including a hat, gloves and scarf to stay protected from the cold. And, keep clothes and shoes dry.
• Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside.
• Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.

Tips for Staying Warm

Exposure to cold can cause life-threatening health conditions. Avoid serious conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia, by keeping warm.

• Wear a hat, hood, or scarf.
• Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth.
• Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside.
• Keep clothing dry; if a layer becomes wet, remove it.

MEDIA CONTACT: Christopher Miller/Nancy Greco Silvestri       (718) 422-4888