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De Blasio Says City Will Get Over 20 Inches Of Snow: "This Is Bad And It Is Getting Worse Rapidly"
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 23, 2016
Modified Jan 24, 2016
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 23, 2016
Modified Jan 24, 2016
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During his latest Blizzard 2016 update this morning, Mayor de Blasio said that storm projections have increased in the last hour, and the city now believes we will get at least 20-25 inches of snow today—and it could get as high as 30 inches! "This is bad, and it is getting worse rapidly," de Blasio said, noting that if we surpass 20 inches, this will be among the top five worst storms in NYC recorded history, going back to 1869.
"People convince themselves they need a gallon of milk," but de Blasio stressed that everyone should get off the roads as soon as possible. "Heavy snow and wind gusts are making travel dangerous today. All New Yorkers should stay off the roads so that our equipment can do its work and keep streets passable for emergency vehicles," he said.
There were 11.5 inches of snow in Central Park as of 10 a.m., and the National Weather Service now estimates that we will receive 1-3 inches more per hour, falling at that rate as late as 9 or 10 p.m. The city will be under Winter Emergency Status until at least midnight, and it is expected to be snowing until then. De Blasio noted that they are "seriously considering a full travel ban," which would mean only emergency personnel would be allowed on roads. It is "conceivable" that the subways may be shut down, but de Blasio doesn't think it is likely.
"It is imperative that people get off the roads," he emphasized. "This is a very, very fast accumulation, and if people linger they will get stuck." He added that the city will tow any cars blocking snow plows or emergency vehicles.
So far, at least five ambulances have been temporarily stuck in snow, and there have been over 200 accidents around the city. In terms of homeless outreach last night, 32 people voluntarily went to shelters, seven people were taken to hospitals, and one person was involuntarily taken to a shelter.
"The best people can do is go home and stay home," de Blasio said. As for children clamoring to go outside, he discouraged kids from doing too much today: "There'll be time for fun in the snow tomorrow."
I think we all know what we have to do now:
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Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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