#SleevesUp: Winter Storm Could Dump A Foot Of Snow Or More In Some Spots
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Officials say a new storm that's expected to hit the region Wednesday will likely result in a new round of outages.
A winter storm warning was in effect for much of the Tri-State Area effective 10 p.m. Tuesday until 4 a.m. Thursday.
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The new storm is expected to drop several inches of snow, with up to a foot or more possible in some spots. But the winds won't be as strong as last week's system.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that city schools will be open Wednesday, while the Sanitation Department issued a snow alert starting at 10 p.m. Tuesday.
"We have been preparing since 7 a.m. We have 693 salt spreaders, and will add an additional 1,600 plows," DSNY commissioner Kathryn Garcia said. "As soon as we see a changeover from rain to snow tonight we will start salting."
"Mother nature's March madness continues as another nor'easter is forecast to bring snow that will make travel dangerous on Wednesday," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. "New Yorkers should take mass transit if possible and allow for extra travel time."
New York City's Emergency Operations Center will be open Wednesday to coordinate the response to the storm.
Alternate Side Parking regulations are suspended Wednesday and Thursday, though parking meters will remain in effect.
Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road will be running deicing trains. As for the subways, MTA Chair Ray Lhota says to prepare for anything.
"It's possible that we will need to end express service early tomorrow afternoon or evening in order to store our trains underground on the express tracks," he said.
On Long Island, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen urged drivers to stay off the roads Wednesday if possible.
"We're hoping for the best but preparing for the worst," she said Tuesday. "We will remain vigilant during tomorrow's commute and we ask you to keep your travel limited to what is necessary."
Officials said to prepare for power outages, as windswept heavy wet snow can knock down power lines. PSEG Long Island just got done restoring all 128,000 customers who lost power in last week's storm, and they say they're ready for another go-round.
In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency effective as of 8 pm Tuesday.
Murphy said the state Emergency Operations Center is open and urged residents to use "prudence, common sense and responsibility" once the storm hits. He said the state has 207,000 tons of salt at the ready, but implored the masses to stay off the roads on Wednesday.
"Our paramount concern and overall goal is to make sure all residents are safe," Murphy said. "If you do have to go outside, please exercise extreme caution. New Jerseyans are a tough bunch and we'll get through whatever we have to get through together."
Murphy said residents who want updates on the storm should log onto the state Office of Emergency Management website.
Forecasters say driving may be difficult during the evening commute Wednesday and drivers should be prepared for reduced visibility at times.
About 350 flights scheduled for Wednesday at John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports have already been canceled. Travelers are being urged to contact their airlines before heading to the airports.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
