Department of Sanitation Provides Update on Ongoing Snow Operations
Largest Storm in Nearly Five Years Drops 10+ Inches of Snow on NYC
Department Plowing and Salting Operations Continue
The New York City Department of Sanitation is providing the following update on ongoing operations in the wake of last night’s major snowstorm.
Last night’s Nor’easter snow storm that brought some 10 inches of snow to Central Park as of 7 a.m. this morning, the largest accumulation recorded since the record-breaking Jonas blizzard in January 2016. Other parts of the City saw snow accumulations of 6-12 inches.
By 7:00 a.m. this morning, the Department completed at least one plowing and salting pass on every street citywide. The Department is making its way back through every route a few times this morning to clear out the snow, widen the driving lanes, and improve conditions on the roadway. Roadways should be largely clear by early afternoon. The Department will move from streets to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure as soon as roadways are clear. These operations will continue for the next few days.
Beginning at 7:00 p.m. this evening, New Yorkers can report icy or snowy roadway conditions via 311.
To support these efforts, DSNY will be hiring emergency snow laborers for Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19.
- Shifts will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.
- Laborers earn $15 per hour, and $22.50 per hour after 40 hours worked in a given week.
- Individuals who have pre-registered will be contacted by the Department for reporting details.
- Anyone not yet registered can do so on-site. Find out more at nyc.gov/snow.
Open Restaurants:
As the Mayor recently announced, Open Restaurants can open roadway dining today at 6:00 p.m. citywide. Restaurant owners should take steps to protect their patrons and employees and should not push snow into the roadway. DSNY has conducted targeted salting on Open Restaurants corridors to improve traction control. We ask drivers to be particularly cautious this evening, as slippery and icy conditions are possible.
Property Owner Responsibilities:
Owners, lessees, tenants, or other occupants are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks no later than 5:00 p.m. today. Where possible, clear a continuous 4-foot path. Corner properties should clear a path to the crosswalk, including pedestrian ramps. Snow and ice may NOT be pushed in to a street or crosswalk. Snow may be piled at the curb line, against the building, or on private property. The snow is very heavy; please be careful and help neighbors in need, if possible.
The Department’s goal is compliance, not enforcement. However, property owners and businesses who do not comply may be subject to a fine of $100.
Other Updates:
Alternate side parking regulations are suspended through Saturday, December 19 to facilitate snow removal. Parking meters remain in effect.
The Department remains focused on snow removal at this time. Recycling and trash collection is suspended. If needed, residents may continue to place their material at the curb.
The Department hopes to restart collection in the next few days, but once collection resumes residents may continue to experience delays. We appreciate New Yorkers’ patience and understanding as we work to catch up. The Department normally collects about 12,000 tons of trash and recycling on typical day and may collect as many as 20,000 tons per day in the wake of a snowstorm.