New Yorkers Urged To Stay Off Roads As Wintry Mix Moves Through Region
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York crews are bracing for a messy Monday morning commute after Sunday night's storm.
"It's all about being prepared, and I want to assure New Yorkers that this team and thousands of people across the state are prepared for the anticipated weather events," Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
WATCH: Gov. Hochul Gives Storm Update --
The snow in the city covered the steps of Bryant Park. As crews worked to clear the sidewalks, some enjoyed the snowflakes while ice skating.
The winter weather is not ideal for everyone, though, especially ahead of the morning commuter. With that in mind, salt spreaders were out throughout the night.
As roadways were treated, utility companies were on standby in case of any outages.
"We have brought in more than 1,000 outside workers to supplement our own crews to help restore service if there are any service interruptions," Con Edison spokesperson Jamie McShane said.
He says coastal flooding presents its own set of challenges.
"You need to pump water out of the facility. You need to dry and test the equipment. We're ready to do that and take those steps safely and restore service quickly and as safely as we can," McShane said.
LINK: Check The Latest Forecast
As CBS2's Kevin Rincon reports, that's the major concern for people in the Rockaways.
"After Hurricane Sandy, you always think of that," one person said.
"When Sandy came in 2012, it flooded my basement completely," another person said.
A coastal flood warning will kick in at 4 a.m. Monday, stretching from New York down to New Jersey.
On Long Island, the storm preps were also well underway.
"We made sure we got these storm drains opened up. We have all the vehicles gassed up. We have our chainsaws filled up because we expect to be out there late tonight and all day tomorrow for the clean-up," Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said.
Hochul said earlier Sunday the state was deploying resources to different areas, but the situation was "somewhat unpredictable."
"Prepare for the worst. Have enough food, have enough batteries in your flashlights. Be prepared for what could be happening this event, or other snow events, as we're just in the early months of winter," she said.
Officials urged New Yorkers to stay off the roads if possible.
"Please get out early if you have to do anything on the roadways. Otherwise, we encourage you to stay off the roadways starting this evening," New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said. "Please be safe and be careful."
LINK: Winter Storm Survival Guide
The MTA issued a tractor-trailer ban on bridges overnight.
The New York City Emergency Management Department issued a travel advisory for Sunday evening through Monday.
More than 5,000 flights were canceled Sunday due to the storm and COVID-related staff shortages.
A total of 150 flights were canceled at LaGuardia, 124 were canceled at Newark Liberty International Airport and 89 flights in and out of John F. Kennedy International Airport were eliminated.
STORM INFORMATION FROM NYC:
- Severe weather alerts and advice
- Department of Sanitation snow operations
- Track NYC snow plows
- Sign up for snow removal jobs
- Guidance for outdoor dining
- Guidance for outdoor workers
- Code Blue: Call 311 for shelter
Additional links to keep an eye on the storm:
Stick with CBS2, CBSN New York and CBSNewYork.com for the latest forecast and weather alerts.
CBS2's Kevin Rincon contributed to this report.
