Sanitation Department prepped for NYC winter storm; travel advisory issued

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The city Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is closely monitoring Sunday’s winter storm and has been salting roads throughout the day, the agency said.

Strong winds, heavy rain and the potential for flooding is present on Staten Island, an AccuWeather forecaster told the Advance/SILive.com, but snow accumulation is unlikely on the borough. A slight chance of snow is possible before 8 p.m. with a mix of snow and rain expected later in the evening.

Still, salt spreaders have been observed on Staten Island streets in the event the borough experiences a wintry mix. Additionally, the city’s downed tree task force has been put on alert in the event large trees are taken down by heavy winds.

“While heavy snow is not likely, we never bet on rain in winter,” the DSNY wrote on Twitter. “Our salt spreaders are filled; plows are ready, if needed.”

Plows will be sent out if more than two inches of snow accumulates.

Because of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, normal trash collection is suspended, the DSNY said.

The agency has been working Sunday to help mitigate flood risks by clearing catch basins and emptying garbage baskets before the storm moves into the New York City area. Poor drainage flooding is a risk with the storm, meteorologists said.

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory from midnight to 8 a.m. on Monday, with gusts up to 55 mph expected. A coastal flood advisory is also in effect on Staten Island from 4 a.m. to noon.

New York City Emergency Management issued a travel advisory for Sunday into Monday and warned travelers to prepare for slippery roads.

“With a potential mix of snow and heavy rain in the forecast arriving in New York City Sunday night into Monday morning, New Yorkers should prepare for slippery road conditions and potential flooding,” said NYC Emergency Management First Deputy Commissioner Christina Farrell. “We urge New Yorkers to exercise caution. If you must travel, we encourage the use of mass transit and please allow for extra travel time.”

While temperatures are expected to rise above freezing Monday, forecasters said a messy commute is possible. The National Weather Service noted that while air temperatures will be above 32 degrees, road temperatures could still be below a freezing point — causing a light glaze of ice on untreated surfaces.