Mayor Adams Discusses Winter Weather Measures in Informative Briefing
In a comprehensive briefing held earlier today, Mayor Eric Adams and Commissioner Jessica Tisch outlined the city’s plans for dealing with an expected winter storm set to impact New York City on Tuesday, February 13th. The announcement covered a range of topics from preparations made by various city agencies to the expected weather conditions and impacts on daily life.
Preparations in Full Swing: Coordination and Action
Commissioner Jessica Tisch of the Department of Sanitation kicked off the briefing, emphasizing the city’s proactive approach to handle the impending weather. Mayor Adams expressed gratitude for the swift response of the city’s teams, highlighting the importance of coordination and timely adjustments.
Weather Forecast: What to Expect
Mayor Adams then delved into the details of the weather forecast, stating that the city anticipates light rain turning into snow with an expected accumulation of five to eight inches. He underscored the seriousness of the storm, predicting low visibility, high wind gusts, and coastal flooding along vulnerable shorelines.
Safety Measures: Stay Home and Stay Informed
Highlighting potential road hazards and limited visibility, Mayor Adams strongly encouraged New Yorkers to stay home if possible and utilize public transportation. The city’s agencies, including the Department of Sanitation and Governor Hochul’s team, are prepared with salt spreaders and plows ready to tackle snow removal.
Education Continues: Remote Learning for Public Schools
Acknowledging the significance of the impending storm, Mayor Adams announced the closure of public schools for in-person classes, with a shift to remote learning. He assured New Yorkers that city services would remain available, emphasizing the importance of staying informed through platforms like NotifyNYC.
Logistical Changes: Election Day Plans
While addressing the crowd, Mayor Adams acknowledged the upcoming election day, assuring that polling sites would remain open in Queens and the Bronx. However, he advised residents to stay updated on potential changes and urged them to vote while staying safe.
Departmental Contributions: Insights from Commissioner Tisch
Commissioner Tisch provided additional insights into the city’s preparations, discussing the expected timeline of the storm and detailing the sanitation department’s extensive plans. She emphasized the city’s investment in snow removal equipment and the use of advanced technology for more efficient operations.
Emergency Management: Commissioner Iscol’s Input
Commissioner Zach Iscol of New York City Emergency Management thanked the city’s dedicated crews and highlighted the potential challenges posed by the storm, including difficult travel conditions and low visibility. He urged New Yorkers to stay off the roads, activated the winter weather emergency plan, and emphasized the need to monitor various weather hazards.
Education in Focus: Chancellor Banks Addresses School Shifts
Chancellor David Banks explained the decision to shift public schools to remote learning, emphasizing the importance of continuity in education. He assured parents that the school system was well-prepared for remote learning and encouraged them to actively engage with the process.
Closing Remarks and Q&A Session
In closing, Mayor Adams addressed questions from the media, addressing concerns about the timing of the school closure announcement and the use of remote learning. He emphasized the need for decisive leadership and the city’s commitment to the safety and education of its residents.
As New York braces for the impending winter storm, the city’s leaders underscored their dedication to preparedness, safety, and continuity in education, ensuring that New Yorkers are informed and ready to face the challenges of the coming weather.