NYC Blizzard 2016: Mayor Declares Winter Weather Emergency

NOTE: For an up-to-the-minute forecast on NYC’s incoming storm, head over to the Patch live-blog.

As the sky grew dark Friday and a monstrous Nor’easter whirled closer to New York City, our fearless leader spoke.

At an afternoon press conference, New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio declared a “winter weather emergency” lasting all day Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight.

During that time, he said, all NYC residents should avoid driving except in emergencies. De Blasio announced that alternated side parking would be suspended for the duration of the incoming blizzard, but warned that any vehicle blocking a roadway would be subject to towing.

“New York City is fully prepared for tomorrow’s storm,” the mayor said. “We are constantly monitoring the forecast and are ready to deploy a major, multi-agency operation.”

Among the city snow tools now at the ready, according to the mayor: 579 salt spreaders; 303,000 tons of rock salt; and 1,785 snow plows.

“We expect snow to begin after midnight, and to accumulate rapidly as the morning progresses,” De Blasio said.

He added: “I want to ask all New Yorkers to look out for your neighbors, look out for the most vulnerable among us, look out for senior citizens and the disabled. Obviously, offer them a helping hand. Check in on your neighbors. If you see someone in distress — if you see a homeless person in distress, for example, on the streets, call 911 immediately so we can do something about it.”

New York City Councilmember Brad Lander, who represents parts of Brooklyn, sent out an email alert with other helpful storm info. According to Lander:

• We don’t anticipate any closure to mass transit.

• All scheduled Saturday trash, recycling and organics collections are suspended because of snow clearing operations.

• Alternate Side Parking will be suspended for Saturday to facilitate snow removal. Parking meters will remain in effect.

• The Department of Education is cancelling all DOE events for Saturday and Sunday, including Gifted and Talented testing, Middle School Applicant Interviews, SAT administration and more. Full information here. As of now schools are scheduled to be open on Monday

• Make sure you stay out of all parks until after the storm is over.

For an up-to-the-minute forecast on NYC’s incoming storm, head over to the Patch live-blog.