Add Row 
Add 
Understanding New York City’s Snow Plowing System
As heavy snow begins to blanket New York City’s roads and sidewalks, many residents are curious about the deployment of the Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) snow plows. City officials state that plows will be dispatched only after a minimum of two inches of snow has accumulated on the roads. This rule, in place for nearly a decade, ensures that plows maintain effective movement and do not trip on obstructions like manhole covers, as noted by a DSNY spokesperson.
The Snow Alert Process
Current forecasts predict the accumulation of 1 to 3 inches of snow through the weekend, indicating that plows may activate later in the day. The DSNY has over 700 salt spreaders actively treating city streets, a vital operation that helps mitigate hazardous road conditions. However, it's important to note that while these spreaders are operational, the DSNY’s PlowNYC map will not show any activity from salt spreaders, only from deployed plows. This means that residents looking for plow updates must keep an eye on social media alerts from DSNY, which typically provide timely notifications when plows are initiated.
Safety and Your Responsibility
New Yorkers are urged to practice caution during active snowfall. The DSNY emphasizes that it aims to ensure everyone’s safety, advising residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. If driving is unavoidable, exercising patience and care is crucial to maintaining safety for all, including sanitation workers on the ground.
Snow Operations Support
In anticipation of severe winter weather, the DSNY prepares year-round, evaluating over 1,500 routes to optimize snow removal operations. This advance planning includes an allocation of over 700 million pounds of salt and continuous monitoring of weather forecasts. The sanitation department has also invested in tracking systems like Bladerunner 2.0 to ensure precise environmental management during winter months.
Community Engagement
Engaging with the community is vital. Property owners play a crucial role in ensuring safety by clearing sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Under city regulations, the failure to do so can lead to fines, making it essential for homeowners to be proactive. The DSNY encourages residents to report any hazardous conditions and to sign up for emergency notifications via NotifyNYC, providing them with the necessary resources and support.
Future Winter Preparedness
Heading into the future, preparations for snow management continue to evolve. As regional weather patterns shift, the approach by DSNY to snow removal, including potential collaborations with transportation agencies and local businesses, reflects a proactive strategy. This includes employing emergency snow shoveling personnel as needed, ensuring that all city agencies are on deck during critical weather events.
For additional information on where the plows are and their current status during ongoing storm events, residents can check the PlowNYC website for updates. Being informed is key, especially during winter storms.
Write A Comment