Mayor Eric Adams Says DSNY Ready For Expected 1-3 Inches Of Snow; N.J. Prepping For More Farther South
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- As we brace for winter weather, New York City officials provided an update on preparations Sunday night.
It doesn't take a whole lot to make getting around a mess, so the city is doing what it can to make sure the commute Monday morning can run as smoothly as possible as we start off the new work week in the new year.
Watch: CBS2's Vanessa Murdock Provides Update On Potential Snowfall
On his second day on the job, Mayor Eric Adams met here behind me minutes ago with the sanitation commissioner, they laid out how they'll prepare for this storm.
"We have an amazing Department of Sanitation that is going to start tonight to hit the ground and start spreading salt on our streets and be prepared for the predicted 1-3 inches of snow that we may have," Adams said.
"We are definitely ready," DSNY Commissioner Edward Grayson said. "We will be deployed on the overnight shift waiting for those flakes to start and we will be salting throughout the duration of the snowfall, trying to keep everybody safe."
The plan right now is to have about 700 salt spreaders out Sunday night into Monday.
The DSNY, like most city agencies, has not been immune to the pandemic. Right now, it's staffing is down about 20%. Workers will be doing longer hours to make up for it.
Ahead of the storm, alternate side parking has been suspended for Monday, and the city has also issued a travel advisory, asking New Yorkers to give themselves some extra time, and take mass transit if possible.
In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said a state of emergency will be in place in five coastal counties -- Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland and Ocean -- as of 9 p.m. Sunday in preparation for Monday's expected snow.
Points south of New York City are expected to see a lot more snow.
"The anticipated winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, wind gusts, and coastal flooding in parts of Southern New Jersey," Murphy said. "Residents should stay off the roads, remain vigilant, and follow all safety protocols."
The governor said the Department of Transportation will be out in force pre-treating roadways.
On top of that, the state is doing what it can to try to ease traffic during the morning commute.
"State offices will have a delayed opening tomorrow. Those offices, unless you hear otherwise from us, will open at 10 a.m.," Murphy said, adding he'd like to see residents sit out the commute, if possible.
The governor is encouraging residents to visit the state Office of Emergency Management website for updates.
Please stay with CBS2, CBSN New York and CBSNewYork.com early Monday morning for more on the snow that is expected to hit the Tri-State Area.
