BLIZZARD OF 2014

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STRONG WINDS AND VERY COLD WIND CHILLS EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON...

Hazardous Travel Conditions are now in effect until this afternoon. Winds of up to 40 mph will keep snow blowing and drifting, but temperatures will br in the teens, and tonight to a bone-chilling single digits in the city and zero in suburbs. Wind chills will make it feel much colder. Our camera lens shows frost.

Everyone should stay off the roads. If absolutely necessary, drive slowly, monitor weather and traffic, use major streets or highways, and keep the name and number of at least one local towing service.

Up to 10 inches of snow is expected to fall across the region with the added bonus of high winds and bitterly cold temperatures. Forecasters predict the snow will stop around 9 a.m. What’s happening in your town? Share photos and snowfall counts with us via social media using CIMAGES on Twitter or City Island Images on Facebook.

The storm brings closures for schools around the region.
Roads and rails

The morning commute is set to be a messy one. City Island Images will have an eye on road conditions, traffic mishaps and the Metro-North schedule. We’ll have detailed updates right here throughout the morning.

Shovels ready? Boiling water? Boots by the door?

Local public safety authorities have hundreds of plows and tons of salt standing by, are making plans to shut down highways and looking at mass transit as a powerful nor'easter that is expected to dump up to 10 inches of snow and bring caustic winds bears down on the East Coast.

A blizzard warning is in effect for Long Island, and winter storm warnings are in effect for the entire region through Friday morning. The storm watch is also in effect for The State of New Jersey.

The Long Island Expressway (I-495) in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and the New York State Thruway (I-87) from the New York City border to Albany will be closed in both directions from midnight tonight (1/3/14) until at least 5:00 AM tomorrow. Consider alternate routes, and if possible, avoid driving.

Meanwhile, in New York City The Office of Emergency Management has issued a Hazardous Travel Advisory for tonight and Friday. The National Weather Service has forecast 10 inches of snow accumulation through Friday. Snow is expected to stop this morning, but may continue until Friday afternoon.

The strongest winds are accompanied by frigid temperatures. NYC.gov/severeweather. OEM encourages New Yorkers to take the following precautions:

If you must drive a vehicle, monitor weather and traffic reports for the latest road conditions.

Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible as these roadways will be cleared first.

Drive slowly. Vehicles, including those with 4-wheel drive, take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.

Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck in the snow.

If you get stuck on the road stay with your car and contact a towing company.

Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible.

Wear layers including a hat, gloves and scarf to stay protected from the cold. And, keep clothes and shoes dry.

Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside.

Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.

Stay Warm

Exposure to cold can cause life-threatening health conditions. Avoid serious conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia, by keeping warm.

Wear a hat, earmuffs, a hood and scarf.

Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth.

Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you have to go outside.

Keep clothing dry; if a layer becomes wet, remove it.

More than 100 million people are under storm watches and warnings for this early January winter storm. Weather experts predict the storm could bring as much as a foot of snow or more to some areas, combined with gusty winds, extremely low temperatures and coastal flooding.

If you are in the storm’s path, it’s important to prepare now to ensure the safety of yourself, your family and friends. For tips and safety information, please click here.

Red Cross Chapters from the Central U.S. to the East Coast are in close communication with emergency management groups and are prepared to respond if needed. If you are seeking shelter, you can locate one online or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to locate the nearest Red Cross shelter.

The New York City Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Department of Sanitation, has announced that Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be suspended Citywide today, Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, to facilitate snow removal. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the City.

NYC sanitation officials have deployed 450 salt spreaders and fitted 17-hundred trucks with snow shovels, and the best thing you can do to help them by staying out of the way.

http://www.nyc.gov