Major Winter Storm Impacting Northeast

In a statement by the National Grid, the following information and steps were provided for residents of New York and the Northeast as they prepare for the blizzard:

Customers can report power outages to National Grid through the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) hotline: 1-800-490-0075 or at 631-755-6900 or by visiting their Storm Central website at www.lipower.org/stormcenter from a computer or mobile device. To report via text messaging, text OUT to myLIPA (695472) - pre-registration is required.
By reporting an outage and providing a contact phone number, customers can receive timely information regarding the status of the outage and estimated restoration times.
In the event of outages resulting from the storm, power will be restored to all customers affected as quickly and safely
as possible.

As the storm approaches, customers should take the following steps to prepare:

• Make sure you have a working, battery powered radio or TV and a good supply of fresh replacement batteries.
• Have flashlights available for all family members.
• If an electric pump supplies your water, fill spare food-grade containers with water for cooking and washing in anticipation of a possible power interruption.
• Make sure all motor driven equipment, such as garage door openers, can be operated manually.
• When using a portable generator, make sure all LIPA-powered equipment is disconnected. This will avoid severe hazards when reconnecting the power to your home or business.
• Have a first aid kit at home and check its contents to make sure they are complete and up to date. If you have family members with special medical needs, such as insulin or other prescription drugs, check to make sure you have an adequate supply.
• Do not use charcoal to cook indoors: deadly carbon monoxide gas can accumulate in your home.
• If you have an elderly neighbor, be a Good Samaritan and check on his or her status. Even a quick telephone call during a storm can provide much appreciated assurance that help is nearby if needed.

Additional storm safety and preparedness tips and an informational video and guidance are available on the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) Storm Central website at http://www.lipower.org/stormcenter/safety.html.
National Grid would also like to remind customers to be alert. Please drive carefully and exercise caution when driving near any of the repair crews working to restore power. If you see any downed wire, assume it is live and do not go near it. Report it immediately to 1-800- 490-0075 or at 631-755-6900.

Mayor Bloomberg has issued a severe weather advisory:

At the direction of the Mayor, the public is hereby advised that significant snowfall has been forecast starting tomorrow afternoon through Saturday morning.

1.    The public is urged to avoid all unnecessary driving during the duration of the storm and, until further directed, to use public transportation wherever possible. As New Yorkers are making their commuting plans for tomorrow, they should be aware that driving conditions will be difficult.  If you must drive, use extreme caution.
 
2.    The MTA has advised of potential service disruptions, and information about any service changes to public transportation is available on the MTA website at http://www.mta.info/.
 
3.    Any vehicle found to be blocking roadways or impeding the ability to plow streets shall be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.
 
4.    Alternate side parking is suspended citywide through Sunday. Due to anticipated high winds the Staten Island Ferry will be operating on a modified schedule beginning tomorrow afternoon.
 
5.    The Emergency Management, Fire, Police, Sanitation, and Transportation Commissioners will be taking all appropriate and necessary steps to preserve public safety and to render all required and available assistance to protect the security, well-being and health of the residents of the City.
 
6.    City government and public schools are open tomorrow. Afterschool programs are subject to cancellation.
 
7.    Due to potential power outages and transportation difficulties, New Yorkers are advised to stock up on potential supplies, including medicine.
 

NOAA Significant Weather Update:

Eastern New York to Northern New Jersey:

• Total accumulations of 10 to 18 inches are expected across the region, including the New York City metro and Long Island.
•  North winds gusts up to 45 mph (up to 60 mph in Suffolk County on Long Island) will lead to blizzard and white-out conditions, creating life-threatening travel conditions.
• The strongest winds and heaviest snow will occur Friday evening into Saturday morning.  Some tree limbs will be knocked down, causing power outages.

Coastal Flooding:

• Offshore seas of 25 to 30 feet or more in addition to the already high tides are expected to result in moderate to possibly major coastal flooding, especially along the Maine coast south of Portland to the New Hampshire seacoast.  Areas typically prone to significant coastal flooding and beach erosion are urged to prepare for coastal flooding and to consider that heavy snow will be occurring at the same time.
• East facing coastline of Massachusetts: Moderate coastal flooding is likely for the Friday evening high tide.  A number of shore roads will be impassable for a time Friday evening.  Moderate to major coastal flooding is likely for the Saturday morning high tide, with the most severe impacts expected along east and north facing shorelines south of Boston.  Numerous shore roads will become impassible and put some structures at risk along the immediate shore, especially those vulnerable locations south of Boston from Hull to Sandwich.  Severe beach erosion will also occur.
• Long Island Sound, Twin Forks of Long Island as well as southwest Suffolk County and southern Nassau County coasts:  Significant beach erosion is likely, especially along ocean facing beaches, during the times of high tide Friday evening between 6:00pm and 11:00pm EST.  Widespread flooding of vulnerable shore roads and/or basements due to the height of storm tide and wave action is possible.  Numerous road closures may be needed.  Isolated structural damage may be observed.

Impacts:

• A 19-car accident has occurred on Interstate 295 near Falmouth, Maine, due to snow-covered roads.
• Approximately 4,000 flights have already been cancelled for today and tomorrow across the country due to the storms effects on northeast airports.
• Amtrak is suspending service north of New York City as of early this afternoon.
• In the Boston area, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is suspending all modes of public transportation at 330pm.
• New York Governor has activated the New York State Emergency Operations Center.
• Massachusetts Governor has called up 500 National Guard members along with equipment in preparation for the storm.
• New Jersey Governor has activated the state's Emergency Operations Center