New York City this week saw the heaviest snowfall since 2016 with some areas collecting over 24 inches of snow after a blizzard crossed the northeast. Public schools were closed on Monday, February 23 with in-person classes resuming Tuesday.
Traffic is expected to be disrupted throughout the week while snow removal is underway. Alternate side parking is suspended Tuesday and Wednesday.
Read on for more information about how to get support during a heavy snow day in NYC.
How’s the current transportation situation?
As of Tuesday, February 24, transit across NYC is significantly disrupted. The C line and parts of the Staten Island Railway are still suspended. Subway service is partially running with some express trains using local tracks and shuttle trains operating between Euclid Avenue and the Rockaways. Local buses are experiencing longer waits.
Metro-North is operating on special schedules. The Long Island Rail Road is running limited service on the Ronkonkoma, Huntington, Babylon, Oyster Bay, Montauk, and Port Washington branches, with limited shuttles between Jamaica and Grand Central, while several branches, including Far Rockaway, Hempstead, Long Beach, West Hempstead, and segments east of Ronkonkoma and Speonk, have no service.
For the latest service information and updates, visit mta.info or check the MTA app.
Do I need to shovel the snow in front of my house? Does the City provide help?
The City does not remove snow or ice from sidewalks in front of residential or commercial properties and does not provide direct shoveling assistance.
Property owners must clear snow from their sidewalks, creating a path at least four feet wide, and corner properties must also clear access to crosswalks and pedestrian ramps.
If a property owner is neglecting to shovel the sidewalks, you can consider reporting it to 311. These are the deadlines for when snow should be cleared. If it’s not cleared within the timeframe, a property owner could be fined up to $250.
What should I do if my trash has not been picked up?
The City expects that trash, recycling, and compost collection will be delayed through Saturday, February 28. The Department of Sanitation is prioritizing trash and compost, so continue placing those curbside on your regular day and hold recycling until next week. Alleyway collection is suspended, and materials should be placed curbside. If items are not collected, leave them out and clear any snow on top so crews can access them.
Call 311 to request the removal of any hazards blocking streets or sidewalks, like fallen trees or branches.
I don’t have heat at home. Who should I call?
First, contact your landlord, who is legally required to provide warmth and hot water. During winter, indoor temperatures must be at least 68 degrees when it’s below 55 degrees outside during the day, and at least 62 degrees overnight regardless of outdoor temperature.
If the issue continues, document the temperature in your apartment and file a complaint through 311. The City’s Housing Preservation and Development agency will then send an inspector to investigate. It’s also illegal for the landlord to shut your heat whether you’ve filed a complaint or not.
Also Read: No Hot Water or Heat in Your Apartment? That’s Illegal in NYC
你知道吗？非公民办理驾照时的这个错误可能会导致选民欺诈
Where can I find child care during the snow days?
It depends on the type of program your child attends. If the Mayor declares a citywide emergency or public schools are closed, most center-based programs will also close, and no alternate care is automatically arranged.
If your child is enrolled in a Family Child Care (FCC) Network, providers must notify families if they cannot open and ask if emergency alternative care is needed. The network must make an effort to arrange alternative care for families who request it.
More snow shoveling support
Property owners who are seniors or residents with disabilities who cannot shovel sidewalks can consider calling their City Council member for support. For example, the Office of City Council Member Crystal Hudson is coordinating volunteer snow shoveling services for members in Brooklyn’s District 35. To check your Council District, visit this map.
