Weather updates: New York area preparing for what could be the biggest snowstorm in years

NEW YORK (WABC) – Classes at New York City schools will meet as usual on Wednesday, as the winter storm approaches.

Mayor Bill de Blasio says the era of snow days is over with the advent of remote learning due to the coronavirus pandemic.

At least everyone is expected to be in front of a computer screen Thursday morning, when the city is expected to be covered in snow.

What you need to know:

How much snow to expect
AccuWeather Forecast
Clocks, warnings and warnings of the National Meteorological Service
Check here for school closures in the three-state area

WEDNESDAY

Snow preparations close open-air restaurants in New York
The three-state area is preparing for a major snowstorm Wednesday and the New York City Department of Sanitation has issued a snow alert beginning at 2 p.m. that will end restaurants in the city . It means that restaurants that have just lost their indoor dining capabilities lose even more business during the snow alert. The city will notify restaurants when they can reopen road seats for al fresco dining.

TUESDAY

CT emergency operations will remain active; residents urged to avoid travel
Governor Ned Lamont announced that the State Emergency Operations Center, which is already activated with virtual capacity for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, will continue to be activated to monitor and respond to the conditions resulting from the major winter storm that is expected to affect Connecticut starting Wednesday. at night and continuing until Thursday. In addition, the governor urges residents to avoid all unnecessary travel during the storm, as significant amounts of snowfall are expected to cause rare conditions on the roads. The current forecast calls for some parts of Connecticut to receive accumulations of more than a foot of snow and gusts of wind of up to 45 miles per hour along the coast.

Newark publishes the “Code Blue” for the incoming winter storm
The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, and the Director of the Community Health and Welfare Department, Dr. Mark Wade, activate a “code blue” for Wednesday, December 16 to Friday, December 18. 32F or less with precipitation or a wind cooling factor equal to or less than 0.

New Yorkers advised leaving cars at home and staying off the road before the storm
Mayor Bill de Blasio asked New Yorkers to leave their cars at home on Wednesday and take public transportation. He worries that there will be problems getting home in the evening or Thursday morning.

Alternate side parking suspended for the next two days
New York officials announced that alternative side parking will be suspended Wednesday and Thursday. Parking meters will remain in force.

NYC Test and Trace reduces hours
Please note that #NYCTestandTrace test sites will have limited hours tomorrow and Thursday due to the impending winter storm.

Wednesday: All venues stop testing at 2 p.m.
Thursday: All venues resume testing at 12 p.m.

Plainfield Public Schools will close Wednesday, Thursday
Plainfield public schools in New Jersey announced they will close Wednesday and Thursday due to the impending inclement weather. However, students will continue to attend school virtually in those days. All student transportation will be suspended on Wednesdays and Thursdays. In addition, all employees of the Plainfield Board of Education will work virtually, with the exception of the buildings and land department.

New York Winter Storm Schools Update
Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed Tuesday that New York City schools will be open for in-person learning Wednesday before a major winter storm. As for Thursday, it remains to be determined.

Nassau County is preparing for the winter storm
County executive Laura Curran announced Tuesday that they should expect “snowstorm conditions” Wednesday night through Thursday morning. Curran asked neighbors to leave before work so the roads could be cleared for workers and avoid traveling when the storm starts. He said the salt domes are full and trucks are jumping roads on Tuesday. The county has 21,400 tons of salt on hand. The heating centers will be open Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., following COVID protocols. Warm beds will be open after 6pm, as well as emergency accommodation. Curran said he is confident that school districts will make decisions about whether to open or not and that he will maintain their support if something is needed. In addition, the county does not require the removal of outdoor dining structures, only if it becomes a hazard.

Suffolk County is preparing for the winter storm
Suffolk County officials said they are doing “everything we need to be prepared” for what they called the “first pandemic snowstorm.” County executive Steve Bellone said the area will have a “real hit” from the big storm. Bellone said what makes the storm so troubling is the elements of heavy snow, sleet and strong wind. He added that the area has not seen this significant type of snow in a long time. Officials warned of possible power outages and disorderly conditions for drivers over Wednesday night. There will be tall and useful military vehicles for heavy snowfall and flooding.

New York open-air dining halls must be closed under Snow Alert
New York City’s sanitation department has issued a snow alert for Wednesday, starting at 2 p.m., that will end the city’s outdoor dining areas. At this time, the city is not asking restaurants to remove barriers or structures for eating on the road.

How much snow to expect
6 “-10” snow totals can be made along the I-95 corridor, including New York City, with potentially higher amounts north and west, where snow will be more spongy due to temperatures colder.
Any deviation to the storm track could cause mixing problems in the south and east of the city, possibly keeping the totals there.

Emes Watch Winter Storm Watch
An early winter storm could pour more than a foot of snow through parts of the Tri-State area Wednesday through Thursday, according to AccuWeather forecast. As of Wednesday, a winter storm clock has been issued for the entire New York City and area of ​​the three states.
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