For Immediate Release
#4-18


January 8, 2018 – The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a travel advisory for Monday evening. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for New York City in effect through 7 p.m. Monday. A wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow are forecast. A brief period of freezing rain is expected to quickly transition to sleet and snow before ending late Monday evening. Cold ground temperatures may result in icy roads, especially on untreated surfaces. A Winter Weather Advisory for freezing rain means that periods of freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. New Yorkers are asked to prepare for slippery roads and use caution when driving, walking, or biking.

“Sleet and freezing rain can cause slippery roads and make travel difficult during tonight’s evening commute,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “Give yourself some extra travel time and use caution while driving.”

Safety Tips

• Black ice is patchy ice on roadways that cannot easily be seen. Even if roadways have been cleared of snow following a storm, any water left on the roadways may freeze, resulting in a clear sheet of ice, also known as black ice. Use mass transit where possible. If you have to drive, drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
• Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.
• Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
• Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in snowy conditions.
• If you are driving and begin to skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.
• Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.
• Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck.
• Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.
• Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.
• Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.

For more information, visit nyc.gov/emergencymanagement. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.


MEDIA CONTACT: Nancy Silvestri/Omar Bourne (718) 422-4888

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