A winter weather system brings a mix of rain and snow to New York City and the Tri-State area.
A significant winter storm dumped up to a foot of snow in certain Hudson Valley and New Jersey communities, prompting residents to hastily retrieve shovels and snowblowers for clearing sidewalks and driveways.
In Central Park, only 0.2 inches of snow fell before
transitioning to rain. As a result, New York City's ongoing streak without at
least 1 inch of measurable snow in a single calendar day has now reached 692
days.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York issued a plea for
individuals to avoid traveling on roads in regions heavily impacted by
snowfall. The governor emphasized the need for plows and other crews to
effectively carry out their tasks.
Conducting a news briefing on Sunday morning, Hochul noted
the slushy and wet road conditions prevalent in parts of New York City and Long
Island. Despite these conditions, she urged drivers to exercise caution while
navigating the roads.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has
lifted travel restrictions for commercial vehicles on all highways, allowing
normal travel to resume as of 8:00 a.m.
This includes:
- I-78:
The entire length from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey
Turnpike)
- I-80:
The entire length from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey
Turnpike)
- I-280:
The entire length from I-80 to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
- I-287:
The entire length from NJ Route 440 to the New York State border
- NJ
Route 440: From the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287
While Interstate and State highways are currently in good condition, it's important to note that the presence of high winds and freezing temperatures may create slippery road conditions. Motorists are advised to exercise caution in light of these weather factors.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York is advising residents, particularly those in the northern regions of the state, to make necessary preparations for the impending weather. In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, she emphasized the importance of being ready and knowing how to safely navigate through the incoming snowfall.
Simultaneously, the New York City Department of Sanitation has declared a Snow Alert effective from 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, through 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 7. Although the likelihood of a "plowable depth" of two inches is minimal, over 2,000 collection trucks stand ready to be converted into snow plows if required.
To address the expected slushier mix, the NYC Department of Sanitation has mobilized 700 salt spreaders for immediate action.
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