New York City is bracing for a powerful nor’easter, with blizzard conditions expected to bring 19 to 24 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 55 mph. The storm prompted a blizzard warning – the first for the city in nearly a decade – and a State of Emergency declaration from New York Governor Kathy Hochul. As the snow began to fall, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) mobilized its resources, aiming to clear roads and sidewalks more efficiently than during the disruptive winter storm of January 25th.
The focus now is on proactive snow removal, with officials emphasizing a different approach compared to last month’s storm, which left streets and sidewalks covered in frozen snow for weeks. This time, warmer temperatures are anticipated, with a forecast of 43 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, offering a natural advantage in the cleanup efforts. The city is also leveraging increased manpower and a bolstered emergency snow shoveler program to address the challenges posed by the intense snowfall. This nor’easter is expected to bring significant disruptions to travel and daily life across the Tri-State Area.
Increased Resources Deployed for Faster Snow Removal
Deputy Commissioner Joshua Goodman of the DSNY told CBS News New York that the department is “running at full force” to combat the storm. Approximately 2,600 sanitation workers are assigned to successive 24-hour shifts, and around 2,300 plows are currently operating throughout the city. “The snow is coming down fast and furious and our plows are out in every part of the city,” Goodman said, adding that with snowfall rates of one to three inches per hour, plows will demand to produce repeated passes throughout the night.
A key difference from the January 25th storm is the significant increase in the number of emergency snow shovelers. The DSNY has “almost tripled” the number of these workers, who are being paid to clear crosswalks, fire hydrants, and bus stops, according to Goodman. The city is actively recruiting these temporary, per diem shovelers, requiring applicants to be at least 18 years classic, able to perform heavy physical labor, and authorized to work in the U.S. Pay starts at $19.14 per hour, increasing to $28.71 per hour after the first 40 hours worked in a week, as reported by Yahoo News.
Learning from January’s Challenges
The January 25th storm presented significant challenges, with lingering piles of snow and ice remaining for weeks due to prolonged sub-freezing temperatures. The DSNY is applying lessons learned from that event to improve its response this time. The anticipated warmer temperatures are a crucial factor, but Goodman emphasized that this is “no excuse” for complacency. The department is focused on preventing a repeat of the prolonged cleanup process experienced earlier this year.
The contrast between the city’s approach to identification requirements for emergency snow shovelers and its election policies has also drawn attention. According to reporting from Yahoo News, the city is requiring shovelers to submit multiple forms of identification, a contrast to the documentation typically needed to vote.
Tracking the Plows
Residents can monitor the progress of DSNY snow removal vehicles in real-time using the department’s PLOWNYC plow tracker. This online tool provides a map showing the location of active plows, allowing citizens to see which areas are being prioritized and when their streets can expect service.
State of Emergency and Travel Impacts
Governor Hochul’s declaration of a State of Emergency allows for the mobilization of additional resources and personnel to assist with the storm response. Outreach teams have been deployed, according to reports, to assist vulnerable populations and ensure access to essential services. The blizzard warning, issued for the first time in nearly a decade, underscores the severity of the storm and the potential for widespread disruption.
Travel bans and restrictions are in effect across the Tri-State Area, impacting roadways, public transportation, and air travel. Officials are urging residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm. The focus remains on ensuring public safety and minimizing the impact of the blizzard on critical infrastructure.
The DSNY will continue to monitor conditions and adjust its response as needed. Updates on snow removal efforts and travel advisories will be provided through official city channels. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and heed the advice of emergency management officials.
The next update from the DSNY regarding snow removal progress is expected Tuesday morning. Please share this information with your networks and stay safe during the storm.
