Mayor Bill de Blasio is warning New Yorkers to avoid traveling this weekend because of the severe snowstorm expected to arrive Saturday.
The mayor issued a hazardous-travel advisory from Saturday through Sunday, citing heavy snow and strong winds.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch for the city's five boroughs, parts of northeast New Jersey, and Long Island from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.
The region could get up to 12 inches of snow and winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of up to 50 mph.
The National Weather Service released this map of the potential snowfall in New York:
The storm could also bring potentially severe flooding.
The mayor's office issued the following warnings for travelers:
Drivers:
- If you have to drive, monitor the latest weather reports. Take public transit if possible.
- Drive slowly. Cars take longer to stop in snowy and icy conditions.
- Follow major streets and highways.
- Keep the phone number of a towing service. If your vehicle gets stuck, stay with it and contact a towing company.
Pedestrians:
- Be careful of slippery surfaces.
- Wear proper cold-weather clothing.
- Cover your fingers, ears and nose.
- Be careful of cars and other traffic.
"From keeping our streets clear to keeping our residents safe and secure, this city is taking every step necessary to prepare for winter weather," de Blasio said in a statement. "In the case of severe snow this week, we will quickly mobilize a major operation to ensure every New Yorker in every neighborhood is prepared and protected."
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