Curbed NY - Winter Storm Stella: everything you need to knowLove where you live2017-03-16T07:00:03-04:00http://ny.curbed.com/rss/stream/146786132017-03-16T07:00:03-04:002017-03-16T07:00:03-04:00The city is struggling to clean up the icy mess left behind by Winter Storm Stella
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<img alt="Another Winter Snowstorm Strikes U.S. East Coast" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0rWRUlzcpeS1JuSK52yaxLFnyUA=/166x0:2834x2001/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53722633/108433457.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The city is struggling to clean up dangerously slippery roadways, sidewalks, and subway stations</p> <p id="2nyXDh"><a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14914572/nyc-weather-blizzard-winter-storm-stella">Winter Storm Stella</a> wasn’t the big blizzard that all of New York City feared it would be but it was a messy mix of snow, sleet, and heavy winds that has city agencies still struggling to clean up. Frigid temperatures quickly turned the streets and sidewalks of New York into dangerous sheets of ice and despite noble efforts, the city just couldn’t clear the paths quick enough. </p>
<p id="2edUfr">Snow plows pushed snow onto parked cars creating a nightmare for anyone who needed to shovel themselves out on Wednesday morning, simply because the snow was no longer soft and manageable. Instead, people found themselves fighting with hard, solid mountains of ice. Even some of the MTA’s busiest subway stations weren’t cleared enough to make things easy for commuters. </p>
<p id="FwGgBo">A set of stairs at the 59th Street-Columbus Circle station looked as if they were completely forgotten while in the Bronx, passengers looking to enter the Tremont Avenue station on the D line were better off sliding down then trying to conquer the dangerously slick steps. The bus stations and sidewalks in many neighborhoods weren’t any better leading to dozens of complaints across various social media platforms.</p>
<p id="IEhEdz">The Department of Sanitation, MTA, and Department of Sanitation continue to work towards removing ice from the city’s passageways but with frigid temperatures sticking around for the next few days, it may not be an easy task.</p>
<p id="Zs3tMJ">If you come across any areas that are in extremely poor condition, report it to <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/311/index.page">311</a> as soon as possible.</p>
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<p>This is a disaster by the MTA at 8 o clock this morning at the Tremont station</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maureen.fraser.376">Maureen Fraser</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maureen.fraser.376/posts/1837074653217547">Wednesday, March 15, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Subway stairs are not cleared. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/snowstorm2017?src=hash">#snowstorm2017</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StellaBlizzard?src=hash">#StellaBlizzard</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZCpnxgjCUp">pic.twitter.com/ZCpnxgjCUp</a></p>— Martin Untrojb (@MEUntrojb) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEUntrojb/status/841684849731735552">March 14, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/NYCHA">@NYCHA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nyc311">@nyc311</a> I don't understand why the front of my building hasn't been salted <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinterStormStella?src=hash">#WinterStormStella</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nyc?src=hash">#nyc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nycha?src=hash">#nycha</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nyc311?src=hash">#nyc311</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ice?src=hash">#ice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/slippery?src=hash">#slippery</a> <a href="https://t.co/Td8rVUrIwU">pic.twitter.com/Td8rVUrIwU</a></p>— Messy (@MessysoRandom) <a href="https://twitter.com/MessysoRandom/status/841972504147202048">March 15, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/MTA">@MTA</a> I guess they forgot to shovel this station on broadway by the 4,5 line going to Brooklyn. The entire walk way was ice, ridiculous. <a href="https://t.co/01aARVMyJx">pic.twitter.com/01aARVMyJx</a></p>— fee. (@feliciiaaaa_) <a href="https://twitter.com/feliciiaaaa_/status/842126086003646471">March 15, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/nyc311">@nyc311</a> Nearly every single cross walk in Park Slope is not cleared, parents are carrying strollers over mountains of snow</p>— Kathleen Davis (@KathleenEDavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/KathleenEDavis/status/842013889629958144">March 15, 2017</a>
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https://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/16/14942368/winter-storm-stella-nyc-road-conditions-cleanupAmeena Walker2017-03-14T17:30:02-04:002017-03-14T17:30:02-04:00Winter Storm Stella brought flooding, not much else to NYC
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<img alt="Blizzard Barrels Into Northeastern U.S." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AOJY7zJcFY2Vuj_rjSvs-c_Pb6o=/239x0:4058x2864/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53699547/462346630.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>This storm wasn’t so scary after all</p> <p id="Py4blu">For the most part, the worst of <a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14914572/nyc-weather-blizzard-winter-storm-stella">Winter Storm Stella</a> has passed, leaving us with high winds and a lot of slush. Luckily, the city didn’t get the two feet of snow that was projected but the few inches that did accumulate were enough to create hazardous conditions. For now, public transportation continues to operate on a modified schedule and with limited service on the MTA, Long Island Rail Road, and suspended service on the Metro-North but is on the path to returning back to their normal schedules. </p>
<p id="Z4sKYL">Road conditions are particularly bad in many areas, with the city’s<a href="https://511ny.org/list/events/traffic?start=0&length=25&filters[0][i]=1&filters[0][s]=New+York+City+Area&order[i]=7&order[dir]=desc"> 511 portal</a> reporting flooding across the boroughs. Below is a list of the affected areas:</p>
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<li id="SECmyX">Flooding on the westbound Belt Parkway near Exit 11A- Flatbush Avenue North and Exit 9B- Knapp Street. Two lanes are blocked.</li>
<li id="FO8Nl7">Wind restrictions and reduced speed warnings are in effect on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge for both levels in both directions.</li>
<li id="k8wGf1">The Throgs Neck Bridge, RFK Triborough Bridge, Queens Midtown Tunnel, Marine Park Bridge, Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Cross Bay Bridge, and Henry Hudson Bridge also have reduced speed warnings in all directions.</li>
<li id="HhTqrc">As of 9 a.m., New York State implemented a travel ban for all tractor trailers and tandem trailers on all directions for the I-95.</li>
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<p id="0CE3Sp"><a href="https://twitter.com/NYCityAlerts?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">New York City Alerts</a> reported severe flooding on the FDR Drive near 96th Street.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Flooding conditions on the FDR under covered roadway south of 96th street. Use caution. <a href="https://t.co/QNWyHCxSag">pic.twitter.com/QNWyHCxSag</a></p>— New York City Alerts (@NYCityAlerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCityAlerts/status/841721686936473601">March 14, 2017</a>
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<p id="A3fe4u">Mayor de Blasio plans to keep the state of emergency in effect until Midnight. But things are slowly getting back on track. The MTA has <a href="http://abc7ny.com/weather/blizzard-mass-transit-impact-whats-running-and-what-isnt/1797276/">announced</a> that it will restore above-ground service beginning at 6 p.m. and Mayor de Blasio will reopen public schools tomorrow morning. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This won't be politically popular, but schools are OPEN tomorrow in New York City.</p>— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/841685846466134016">March 14, 2017</a>
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<ul><li id="2QqzBz">
<a href="http://abc7ny.com/weather/blizzard-mass-transit-impact-whats-running-and-what-isnt/1797276/">Mass Transit Service Springs to Life After Winter Blast</a> [ABC 7]</li></ul>
https://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/14/14926426/nyc-winter-storm-stella-travel-conditionsAmeena Walker2017-03-14T09:17:17-04:002017-03-14T09:17:17-04:00The blizzard is no longer, but here’s what to expect today
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<figcaption>Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>But it’s still going to be a nasty day in New York City</p> <p id="mEydEK"><a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14914572/nyc-weather-blizzard-winter-storm-stella">Winter Storm Stella</a> hit New York City last night, and despite initial projections that a blizzard of historic proportions was on its way, the storm has now been downgraded to, well, a storm. According to the National Weather Service’s <a href="http://www.weather.gov/okx//winter">latest projections</a>, the five boroughs can expect to see about four to six inches of snow over the course of the day, rather than the 12 to 24 inches that was initially bandied about. </p>
<p id="mar1mG">That doesn’t mean the weather is exactly pleasant, though: As you’ve likely already surmised, there’s still a wintry mix happening outside, with snow and ice coming down. There are also still high winds and accumulation on the ground, making for a nasty commute—or a good excuse to take a snow day. </p>
<p id="vDi2xe">Even though NYC is no longer under a blizzard warning, Mayor de Blasio is still <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/841611310559289344">warning</a> city dwellers to “stay off the road and be safe.” Transit options are still limited: service at above-ground subway stations <a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14914926/winter-storm-stella-nyc-subway-service">remains suspended</a>, and while the Long Island Rail Road will remain in service—though likely with delays and cancellations—Metro-North will suspend its service at noon. (Upstate New York is expected to get quite a bit more snow than the five boroughs.) Local buses are still running. The <a href="http://alert.mta.info/">MTA’s website</a> has more details on what these changes entail, while the city’s <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/service/3640/snow-information">311 portal</a> has a more comprehensive list of closures and changes across city agencies and institutions. </p>
<p id="8YNHes">New Jersey Transit trains, meanwhile, are still running, though the service’s buses are suspended today. PATH Is running on a normal schedule. </p>
<p id="ZfVbDA">And as expected, the storm is <a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14913476/nyc-travel-flights-canceled-winter-storm">affecting travel</a> in and out of the city: More than 1,000 flights to or from Newark Liberty International Airport have been canceled, according to <a href="https://flightaware.com/live/cancelled/">FlightAware</a>, along with 852 to and from LaGuardia, and 771 in and out of JFK. </p>
<p id="xhNluo">So despite a “busted forecast,” the storm is still causing plenty of headaches in the city—and will likely do so throughout the rest of the day. So stay inside (if you can), and be safe out there if you can’t; we’ll keep you updated as the day goes on. Additionally, this <a href="http://www.vox.com/a/national-snowfall-map">interactive map</a> can help you track the snow accumulation in your area.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wow, the NWS has shifted the rain/snow like just to the north of NYC.<br><br>That means mostly slush instead of mostly snow. A busted forecast. <a href="https://t.co/8LVAmewcKC">pic.twitter.com/8LVAmewcKC</a></p>— Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricHolthaus/status/841622255171915776">March 14, 2017</a>
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<a href="http://www.vox.com/a/national-snowfall-map">The past day in snowfall, mapped</a> [Vox]</li></ul>
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https://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/14/14921142/nyc-blizzard-winter-storm-stella-downgradedAmy Plitt2017-03-13T18:03:17-04:002017-03-13T18:03:17-04:00What happens to the NYC subway during a snowstorm?
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bdauXYqmm4QkMUxdFibD7BpkT0w=/30x0:1410x1035/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53682215/16732972001_d5891e04b7_o.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin</figcaption>
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<p>Plus, what happens to subways when they’re not running above ground?</p> <p id="5A6Glt">As the East Coast prepares for <a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14914572/nyc-weather-blizzard-winter-storm-stella">Winter Storm Stella</a>, due to bring as much as two feet of snow to the region, Governor Andrew Cuomo has taken the extraordinary step of declaring a <a href="https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-activates-state-emergency-operations-center-starting-monday-evening">state of emergency</a> beginning at midnight tonight. While this means a lot of things for different people (non-essential state employees, for example, are being told to stay home), the biggest impact for regular New Yorkers is on transit. </p>
<p id="ZSnyWr">As of 4 a.m., service to above-ground subway stations will cease, and it’s probable that service (and thus, commutes) on many subway lines will change, though the MTA has yet to announce any formal plans. Additionally, MTA express bus service will also stop at midnight, and there’s a chance that Metro-North, LIRR, and regular bus service will be suspended tomorrow. </p>
<p id="xKRfCI">TL;DR, stay home if you can.</p>
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<img alt="Underground subway service map." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uNi06yr_8gYmxAFNxAIk5Ol0NWg=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8154173/Underground_Map_with_Service_Guide.jpg">
<cite>MTA</cite>
<figcaption>Here’s what the subway system looks like when all above-ground trains stop service.</figcaption>
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<p id="4eNRPt">But what happens to the subway during a storm? A lot, actually: <a href="http://www.mta.info/news/2017/03/13/mta-prepares-winter-storm">According to the MTA</a>, the agency is already getting its preparedness efforts in place: </p>
<blockquote><p id="zoh6Bs">Approximately 13,000 personnel will be on duty for subways during the storm, including more than 9,700 personnel dedicated to snow-fighting, staged throughout the system and working up to 12-hour shifts. Snow-fighting equipment for subways will include more than 2,000 snow melting devices at switches and other infrastructure, about 1,500 3rd rail heaters, “scraper shoes” on approximately 80 trains, 10 snowthrowers, four jetblowers, and seven de-icer train cars.</p></blockquote>
<p id="HppWnM">Keeping subways running below ground while above-ground stations are closed is a plan that was <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/25/nyregion/shutting-down-aboveground-subway-service-in-new-york-and-learning-from-previous-missteps.html">first put in place</a> last winter, when a snowstorm (known as <a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2016/1/21/10844692/everything-new-yorkers-need-to-know-about-winter-storm-jonas">Winter Storm Jonas</a>) dropped as much as 26 inches of powder on the city. Rather than shutting down the entire subway system—which the MTA did in 2015, drawing <a href="https://www.wired.com/2015/01/nyc-blizzard-subway-shutdown/">fierce criticism</a>—Governor Cuomo and the agency opted to keep the underground trains, which are easier to maintain during inclement weather, in operation. </p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CvhEwOIm2_AvoqBOyWT6iM5Y0y4=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8151767/24478815662_3846437b60_o.jpg">
<cite>Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin</cite>
<figcaption>MTA workers clear snow off the subway tracks after a blizzard in January 2016</figcaption>
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<p id="PAs8RH">The decision basically worked: the MTA, the city, and transit advocacy groups were happy, as were many straphangers. (Though it’s worth noting that many of the areas serviced by above-ground stations are on the outer edges of the boroughs, which—without bus service as well—will be most negatively affected by a lack of service.)</p>
<p id="igh45s">So where will the trains that would have been running above-ground go? They get stored in one of the <a href="http://untappedcities.com/2015/12/16/7-nyc-tunnels-where-subway-trains-go-to-sleep/">MTA’s underground storage yards</a> (there are several throughout the city), or may be stored on express tracks, which can also lead to service disruptions. Once the snow stops, the MTA can begin the work of <a href="http://web.mta.info/coldWeather/">clearing tracks</a> and ensuring that it’s safe for trains to run again. </p>
<p id="iIKh01">So if your commute is mucked up in the next few days, that’s why—and hey, it could be worse: on this day in 1888, New Yorkers had to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge in the snow to get between Manhattan and Brooklyn, as this photo from the NYC Department of Records shows: </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today in 1888 - Brooklyn Bridge, covered in snow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thisdayinhistory?src=hash">#thisdayinhistory</a> <a href="https://t.co/tHEZXkWQ3O">pic.twitter.com/tHEZXkWQ3O</a></p>— NYC Dept of Records (@nycrecords) <a href="https://twitter.com/nycrecords/status/841280349476913152">March 13, 2017</a>
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<p id="xmJaJ5">So remember: stay inside if you can, keep an eye on the <a href="http://alert.mta.info/">MTA’s service alerts</a> page—because things are likely to change—and stay safe out there, folks and use <a href="http://www.vox.com/a/national-snowfall-map">this tool</a> to keep an eye on the snow accumulation in your area.</p>
<ul>
<li id="koF5OG">
<a href="http://www.mta.info/news/2017/03/13/mta-prepares-winter-storm">MTA Prepares for Winter Storm</a> [Official]</li>
<li id="cjVznU">
<a href="https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-activates-state-emergency-operations-center-starting-monday-evening">State Prepares for Storm Response</a> [Gov. Cuomo’s Office]</li>
<li id="qextz1">
<a href="http://www.vox.com/a/national-snowfall-map">The past day in snowfall, mapped</a> [Vox]</li>
</ul>
https://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14914926/winter-storm-stella-nyc-subway-serviceAmy Plitt2017-03-13T17:00:01-04:002017-03-13T17:00:01-04:005 ways to prepare for NYC's big winter storm
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_sE4yowt6xRzEcKfCFgRw1RG4ck=/112x0:1889x1333/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53681137/snowstreetnyc2016.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Heiman/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Everything you need to know to stay prepared</p> <p id="TgYfRL">For the most part, this winter has been a fairly mild one, but that’s about to change: the National Weather Service is predicting that a massive blizzard, named <a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14903372/winter-storm-stella-noreaster-nyc-blizzard">Winter Storm Stella</a>, will pummel the five boroughs with as much as two feet of snow. </p>
<p id="fnvd3X">While it may be true that weather is unpredictable, it’s still a good idea to take these warnings seriously, and to make sure you are well prepared in case conditions take a turn for the worse—especially in a New York City apartment, where issues with heat, gas, and electricity could all rear their ugly heads. Here are some things to keep in mind as you’re battening down the hatches for this week’s weather event. </p>
<p id="UIgTx3"><strong>Make sure you’re well-stocked</strong><strong>.</strong></p>
<p id="Ls31G3">There’s a good reason why everyone rushes to the supermarket when a storm warning is issued: being trapped in the house with no food sucks. Make sure you have enough to get you through a few days—per the <a href="http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm#Before">Red Cross</a>, that means a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) along with a three-day supply of non-perishable foods (and don’t forget about food for your pets). It’s also good to make sure you have several flashlights, working batteries, and a charger or spare batteries for your phone and other electronic devices. It may not be a bad idea to have a few candles and matches/lighters on hand either.</p>
<p id="wTM1Dp"><strong>Check your meds</strong><strong>.</strong></p>
<p id="BkeZAx">If you are on medication, the last thing you want is to run out and not have access to your local pharmacy. If possible, try to keep a seven-day supply at your disposal. In the event that you do run out of medication, having an emergency contact who may be able to help out could be vital to your well-being. If things really get bad, do not hesitate to call 911.</p>
<p id="vC1e7K"><strong>Know what to do in the event of a power outage</strong><strong>.</strong></p>
<p id="qzNAxK">If your power goes out, make sure you know who to call—which is why having those charged electronic devices are important. If you live in a building, have the number to your superintendent on hand. Having the phone numbers to your energy and gas company, whether it be Con Edison (1-800-75-CONED), <a href="https://www.nationalgridus.com/NY-Home/Safety/Report-a-Gas-Emergency">National Grid</a>, or whoever else is also a must. The same goes for if you lose heat—and remember, your landlord is required to provide heat. If yours isn’t working, don’t be afraid to put the pressure on them.</p>
<p id="KaX0xh"><strong>Be a good neighbor.</strong></p>
<p id="j15baj">You’re not required to shovel the sidewalk in front of your building, but if you live in a place without a super on-site—and you’re physically capable—it’s a nice thing to do. And take note to help your elderly neighbors, or those with mobility issues. Offer to shovel in front of their property or bring them any important items they might need if they can’t do it themselves.</p>
<p id="jHTJpf"><strong>Stay alert</strong><strong>.</strong></p>
<p id="SKSU94">Be sure to keep up with the news for up-to-date information, and follow instructions when it comes to things like evacuating (in the event of a flood) or staying off the roads. Knowing what’s happening with public transportation, <a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14913476/nyc-travel-flights-canceled-winter-storm">flights</a>, and road conditions is key to guiding you in making the safest decisions possible.</p>
<p id="HDEfjo">For more ways on how to stay safe during a winter storm, check out tips from the <a href="http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm#About">Red Cross</a> and the <a href="http://nypdnews.com/2017/03/snow-storm-stay-warm-stay-safe/">New York Police Department</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li id="QtXobW">
<a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14903372/winter-storm-stella-noreaster-nyc-blizzard">Winter Storm Stella will bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions to NYC</a> [Curbed]</li>
<li id="zJc5AG">
<a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14913476/nyc-travel-flights-canceled-winter-storm">Winter Storm Stella is already affecting NYC flights</a> [Curbed]</li>
<li id="ioQXux">
<a href="http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm#About">Winter Storm Preparedness</a> [Red Cross]</li>
<li id="SrGYtU">
<a href="http://nypdnews.com/2017/03/snow-storm-stay-warm-stay-safe/">Snow Storm: Stay Warm, Stay Safe</a> [NYPD]</li>
</ul>
https://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14911412/winter-storm-preparedness-nycAmeena Walker2017-03-13T16:26:48-04:002017-03-13T16:26:48-04:00NYC's big blizzard is already causing major travel snafus
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hSwmPxWvDP8cFvSC7QxV-v7Ilq4=/167x0:2834x2000/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53680361/jfksnow.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Be prepared for flight delays, travelers</p> <p id="L1sg4o">If you were planning to fly out of New York City in the next 48 hours, you may have to rethink those plans: Thanks to <a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14903372/winter-storm-stella-noreaster-nyc-blizzard">Winter Storm Stella</a>, the weather event that’s soon to pummel much of the East Coast (including NYC) with snow, hundreds of flights out of the city’s three major airports are already canceled.</p>
<p id="mnXmsK">The <em>New York Post </em><a href="http://nypost.com/2017/03/13/airlines-cancel-more-than-5400-flights-ahead-of-storm/">reports</a> that more than 450 flights in and out of John F. Kennedy International Airport have been called off, along with 522 at LaGuardia airport, and a whopping 835 from Newark Liberty International Airport. The stats are according to <a href="https://flightaware.com/live/cancelled/tomorrow">FlightAware</a>, which tracks real-time flight data provided by air-traffic control systems.</p>
<p id="XSvm0V">And that’s just today; once the storm gets going, those numbers are likely to increase. The latest report from the National Weather Service is still <a href="http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=NYZ075&warncounty=NYC047&firewxzone=NYZ075&local_place1=2%20Miles%20WSW%20Ridgewood%20NY&product1=Blizzard+Warning&lat=40.6842&lon=-73.9305#.WMb-4BLyvFQ">predicting</a> anywhere from one to two feet of snow in the five boroughs (and the surrounding environs) tomorrow, with high wind gusts and low visibility likely. (So basically, terrible conditions for flying.)</p>
<p id="2NLU8Y">As of right now, New York City’s other modes of transport—subways, buses, commuter rail, ferries, and Citi Bike—are all operating normally, and will continue to do so until, well, they can’t. The MTA’s various Twitter accounts (for subways, buses, and the Metro-North and LIRR) all offer up-to-the-minute information, as does Citi Bike’s Twitter account. We’ll also provide updates as they’re available.</p>
<ul>
<li id="lWv6GS">
<a href="http://nypost.com/2017/03/13/airlines-cancel-more-than-5400-flights-ahead-of-storm/">Airlines cancel more than 5,400 flights ahead of storm</a> [NYP]</li>
<li id="XJ8qYB">
<a href="http://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14903372/winter-storm-stella-noreaster-nyc-blizzard">Winter Storm Stella will bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions to NYC</a> [Curbed]</li>
</ul>
https://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14913476/nyc-travel-flights-canceled-winter-stormAmy Plitt2017-03-13T15:36:49-04:002017-03-13T15:36:49-04:00Brace yourselves, New York: a huge snowstorm is on its way
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y4I7lwn_qkU7hXoS9_Ze27-FDdY=/167x0:2834x2000/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53664127/blizzardfeb2017.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Washington Square Park during New York’s last snowstorm in early February | Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>New York could get as much as 18 inches of snow on Tuesday</p> <p id="s7MuFb">The brutally cold temperatures and mini-snowstorm that hit New York City over the weekend are a mere preview of what’s to come tomorrow. The National Weather Service <a href="http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/hpcdiscussions.php?disc=pmdspd">predicts</a> that a “powerful winter storm” is about to bombard the East Coast, bringing plenty of wind and snow—as much as two feet of it in some regions—with it. </p>
<p id="wdk91g">“We’re preparing for a significant storm on Tuesday, and New Yorkers should also prepare for snow and dangerous road conditions,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. Thanks to Winter Storm Stella (yep, it <a href="https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/winter-storm-stella-blizzard-noreaster-south-snow-forecast-march-2017">has a name already</a>), the five boroughs could get anywhere from 12 to 18 inches of snow over the course of <em>one day. </em>The snow is expected to begin falling Tuesday morning (with as much as two to four inches coming down <em>per hour</em>), and stop by nightfall. </p>
<p id="cOLgjw">There’s also the chance of “widespread minor to locally moderate coastal flooding during the Tuesday morning high tide cycle,” particularly in parts of Brooklyn, Staten Island, and southern Queens, as if the snow and bitter cold wasn’t bad enough. </p>
<p id="qfzw9E">So what does this mean for New Yorkers? The NYC Emergency Management Department has already issued a <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/about/press-releases/20170312_pr_nycem_issues_hazardous_travel_advisory.page">hazardous travel advisory</a>, urging New Yorkers to avoid the roads and take public transit whenever possible. As a pre-emptive measure, alternate side parking is already suspended for the day. Citi Bike and the Staten Island Ferry will remain in operation for as long as possible. </p>
<p id="IpBM22">The Department of Sanitation is also gearing up for a big storm, with 689 salt spreaders being deployed before the worst of it hits, and more than 1,600 plows out once the snow gets going. </p>
<p id="greRst">Mayor de Blasio announced that as a precaution, schools will be closed on Tuesday. </p>
<div id="zBWaqo">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Because of tonight's expected snowstorm, <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCSchools">@NYCSchools</a> will be CLOSED tomorrow, March 14th. <a href="https://t.co/FwWgV3bFaw">pic.twitter.com/FwWgV3bFaw</a></p>— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/841319619323416576">March 13, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="QjjDnq">The New York Public Library has also announced that its three library systems—in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens—will also be closed due to the storm. And don’t worry: If you have books that are due tomorrow, their return dates will be extended. (“New Yorkers should check <a href="http://bklynlibrary.org/">bklynlibrary.org</a>, <a href="http://nypl.org/">nypl.org</a> and <a href="http://queenslibrary.org/">queenslibrary.org</a> for updates and reopening information,” according to a press release.) </p>
<p id="tLR5WZ">It’s likely that mass transit, along with train and air travel, will be impacted on the day of; we’ll keep you updated as the storm develops. Additionally, this <a href="http://www.vox.com/a/national-snowfall-map">interactive map</a> helps you track the amount of snow accumulation in your area.</p>
<ul><li id="ChbhuZ">
<a href="http://www.vox.com/a/national-snowfall-map">The past day in snowfall, mapped</a> [Vox]</li></ul>
https://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/13/14903372/winter-storm-stella-noreaster-nyc-blizzardAmy Plitt