As the first flakes start to fall, New Yorkers are bracing themselves for another massive snowstorm that's expected to dump up to a foot of snow on the city. It's time to break out the shovels – and hot tubs – as the city gears up for one of its largest snow-fighting operations in years.
With 700 salt spreaders, 2,200 road plows, and dozens of bike lane plows mobilized, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is promising a "nation's largest" effort to clear the streets. The BladeRunner 2.0 system will oversee the operation, ensuring that every community gets the services it needs.
But as the city prepares for the storm, residents are also being told to take responsibility for clearing their own sidewalks – and risk facing fines of up to $350 if they don't. With over 1.8 million New Yorkers living with disabilities, many are counting on others to do right by them. Sharon McLennon Wier, executive director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York, warns that it's a "life or death" situation on the roads and sidewalks.
As temperatures plummet and snow starts falling, city workers will also be using special "hot tub" trucks to help clear snow from sewers quickly. It's a new tactic they haven't used since 2022 – but one that could make all the difference in keeping New York City running smoothly.
Despite the preparations, some residents are still struggling to keep up with the demands of winter weather. Marc Fliedner, director at Disability Rights New York, says it's a matter of having the right tools and taking action quickly. "It's not just about throwing salt on the ground – it's about clearing the way," he says.
New Yorkers can track the city's progress through its plow tracker, and file complaints with 311 if sidewalks aren't cleared promptly. With thousands already issued for failure to clear snow and ice this winter, the stakes are high – but the city is promising a big effort to keep New York City safe and accessible for all.
With 700 salt spreaders, 2,200 road plows, and dozens of bike lane plows mobilized, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is promising a "nation's largest" effort to clear the streets. The BladeRunner 2.0 system will oversee the operation, ensuring that every community gets the services it needs.
But as the city prepares for the storm, residents are also being told to take responsibility for clearing their own sidewalks – and risk facing fines of up to $350 if they don't. With over 1.8 million New Yorkers living with disabilities, many are counting on others to do right by them. Sharon McLennon Wier, executive director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York, warns that it's a "life or death" situation on the roads and sidewalks.
As temperatures plummet and snow starts falling, city workers will also be using special "hot tub" trucks to help clear snow from sewers quickly. It's a new tactic they haven't used since 2022 – but one that could make all the difference in keeping New York City running smoothly.
Despite the preparations, some residents are still struggling to keep up with the demands of winter weather. Marc Fliedner, director at Disability Rights New York, says it's a matter of having the right tools and taking action quickly. "It's not just about throwing salt on the ground – it's about clearing the way," he says.
New Yorkers can track the city's progress through its plow tracker, and file complaints with 311 if sidewalks aren't cleared promptly. With thousands already issued for failure to clear snow and ice this winter, the stakes are high – but the city is promising a big effort to keep New York City safe and accessible for all.