NYC Issues Travel Advisory Ahead of Weekend Snowstorm

NEW YORK (VINnews) — New York City officials issued a travel advisory for Friday evening into Saturday as a winter storm is expected to bring several inches of snow during a busy holiday travel period.

According to New York City Emergency Management, snow is forecast to begin Friday afternoon, intensify overnight and taper off Saturday morning. The National Weather Service is predicting 3 to 7 inches of snow across the city, with higher amounts possible in some areas.

“As New Yorkers continue to celebrate the holidays and prepare for the new year, they should also prepare for hazardous travel conditions,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement, urging residents to avoid driving if possible and allow extra time when using public transportation.

NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said city agencies are coordinating closely as the storm approaches and warned that snow-covered roads and cold temperatures could make travel dangerous. He thanked sanitation crews, emergency managers and other city workers who will be on duty throughout the weekend.

The city has activated its Winter Weather Emergency Plan. The New York City Department of Sanitation said it will issue a Snow Alert and pre-deploy hundreds of salt spreaders to treat roadways, with plows ready to operate citywide as conditions warrant. Acting Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan said residents should expect possible collection delays while crews focus on clearing streets.

Officials reminded property owners that they are responsible for clearing sidewalks and keeping them passable. Pushing snow into streets or bike lanes is illegal and may result in fines.

Cold temperatures are expected to limit snowmelt through Saturday, increasing the risk of icy and slippery conditions. City officials urged residents to monitor weather updates, check on vulnerable neighbors and sign up for real-time alerts through the city’s emergency notification system.

More information and updates are available through NYC Emergency Management and the city’s 311 service.