City issues hazardous travel advisory

As the city prepares for a snowstorm tomorrow, the city has one message for residents: clear the road!

The city’s Emergency Management Department issued a hazardous travel advisory for Thursday. The National Weather Service has already issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect tomorrow from midnight to 6 p.m.

If the forecast’s prediction becomes reality, conditions on the road will be slick and dangerous, especially during the morning commute.

“Although the weather is warm today, winter will return quickly on Thursday with dangerous conditions for the morning commute,” said Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “New Yorkers should be prepared for snowfall and slippery roads and plan to take mass transit where possible.”

The precipitation will start tonight, but snow will come down early in the morning, falling heavily at times. Officials expect six to 12 inches of snow, but some places may have even more.

Of course, it won’t be like the blizzard of 2016, pictured above. But you get the message. Avoid driving if you can and use mass transit on Thursday.

To prepare for the snow, the Department of Sanitation is deploying 689 salt spreaders across the five boroughs. The PlowNYC app will be activated and 1,600 plows will be dispatched.

DSNY will assign 2,400 workers per shift, each working 12-hour shifts beginning at 7 p.m. tonight.

Keep this in mind: garbage and recycling collections will be suspended tomorrow once snow operations begin. Alternate Side Parking will also be suspended Thursday, but parking meters are in effect.

Here are some travel safety tips on behalf of the city:

For motorists:

• If you must drive a vehicle, monitor weather and traffic reports for the latest road conditions. Use mass transportation whenever possible.

• Drive slowly. Posted speed limits are for ideal weather conditions. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.

• Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.

• Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.

• 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 snow.

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

For pedestrians:

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

• Use handrails when using stairs.

• Wear layers including a hat, gloves/mittens, and a scarf to stay protected from the cold. And keep clothes and shoes dry, if a layer becomes wet, remove it.

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

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

• 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 from icy conditions.