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Major Snowstorm Targets New York Region New York Schools Close as Region Braces for Major Snowstorm
(about 4 hours later)
An unyielding winter is about to dump yet another major snowstorm on the New York region, with forecasters projecting significant snow accumulation just as the calendar ticks toward spring. An unyielding winter is about to dump yet another major snowfall on the New York region, with forecasters projecting more than a foot of snow just as the calendar ticks toward spring.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for northeastern New Jersey and southeastern New York, including all of New York City, saying that snowfall will likely begin early Wednesday and that total accumulations of 12 to 16 inches were expected. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday evening that all public schools in New York City would be closed on Wednesday.
“Everybody, get ready because we’ve got some very unpredictable weather about to hit us,” Mr. de Blasio warned.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for northeastern New Jersey and southeastern New York, including all of New York City, estimating that snowfall will likely begin early Wednesday and that total accumulations of 12 to 16 inches are expected.
“Travel will be very difficult to impossible, including during the evening commute on Wednesday,” the service wrote.“Travel will be very difficult to impossible, including during the evening commute on Wednesday,” the service wrote.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said it would send information on its storm preparations later on Tuesday, but did not anticipate Tuesday evening’s commute to be affected. New Jersey Transit had also not issued any advisories for service changes. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said it would send information on its storm preparations later on Tuesday, but did not anticipate Tuesday evening’s commute to be affected.
The National Weather Service said that “minor to moderate coastal flooding” was likely for vulnerable areas of Long Island and New Jersey, and predicted rough surf along the shore. Alternate-side parking will be suspended Wednesday and Thursday in the city. Mr. de Blasio said he instructed the city’s sanitation department to move to 12-hour shifts for the storm. A “cold blue” is also in effect for the homeless in New York City, greatly expanding their shelter options.
Airlines have started canceling flights, with the most cancellations in and out of Philadelphia International Airport, and carriers including American Airlines, Delta and United have started to waive change fees for anyone scheduled to fly Tuesday or Wednesday. New Jersey Transit announced that it would run a limited weekday rail schedule on Wednesday, and that it would be cross-honoring tickets across rail, bus, light rail and PATH services. Buses and light rail lines in New Jersey were expected to operate on regular schedules as long as conditions permit, though officials also indicated it was possible that all bus routes would be suspended for Wednesday evening’s commute.
The storm comes just as many in the region have finally dug out from two relentless storms in early March — the second one left two people dead and thousands of people in New Jersey and the suburbs north of New York City without power for days as utility companies came under scrutiny for their response. The National Weather Service said “minor to moderate coastal flooding” was likely for vulnerable areas of Long Island and New Jersey, and it predicted rough surf along the shore.
Gov. Philip D. Murphy, Democrat of New Jersey, speaking at the train station in Madison, said that he was closely monitoring the coming storm, and was considering declaring a state of emergency to begin around midnight should the forecasts hold true. Airlines have started canceling flights, with the most cancellations in and out of Philadelphia International Airport. Carriers including American Airlines, Delta and United have started to waive change fees for anyone scheduled to fly Tuesday or Wednesday.
“Our concerns have somewhat intensified,” Mr. Murphy said, warning residents that the evening commute on Tuesday could turn icy and windy, but that the snow accumulation and storm were unlikely to begin until early Wednesday. The storm comes just as many in the region have finally dug out from two punishing early March nor’easters — the second one left two people dead and thousands of households in New Jersey and the suburbs north of New York City without power for days as utility companies came under scrutiny for their response.
Addressing what he called “the biggest shortfalls” of the last storm, Mr. Murphy said that one of the state’s much-maligned utility companies — Jersey Central Power and Light — had activated 800 workers to respond to the storm, and that all of the utility companies had activated their mutual aid agreements, meaning that they would share resources in response to outages. Gov. Philip D. Murphy, a Democrat of New Jersey, speaking Tuesday at the train station in Madison, said he was closely monitoring the storm, and was considering declaring a state of emergency to begin around midnight should the forecasts hold fast.
“We’ve been in touch with them all day,” Mr. Murphy said of the utility companies, and noted that the state Board of Public Utilities was also “center stage” in planning for the storm. “Our concerns have somewhat intensified,” said Mr. Murphy, adding that the snow accumulation was unlikely to begin until early Wednesday.
He noted that the storms potential for heavy snow, in addition to gusty winds, has the potential for more downed power lines, and urged caution to residents. Addressing what he called the “the biggest shortfalls” of the last storm, Mr. Murphy said that one of the state’s much-maligned utility companies — Jersey Central Power and Light — had activated 800 workers to respond to the storm, and that all of the utility companies had activated their mutual aid agreements, meaning that they would share resources in response to outages.
“We’ve been in touch with them all day,” Mr. Murphy said of the utility companies. He noted that the state Board of Public Utilities was also “center stage” in planning for the storm.
The storm’s potential for heavy snow, in addition to gusty winds, could lead to a repeat of the downed power lines from the last storm, Mr. Murphy warned as he urged residents to take precautions.
“Please do not head out into the snow unless you absolutely have to,” he said.“Please do not head out into the snow unless you absolutely have to,” he said.