Mayor Bloomberg Declares Weather Emergency

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg  has declared a weather emergency since significant snowfall has been forecast for the evening rush hour, through tomorrow’s morning rush hour. A decision on whether to close public schools will be made at 5 a.m. Thursday.

“If we can possibly keep the schools open we will,” Bloomberg said.

1. The public is urged to avoid all unnecessary driving for the duration of the storm and until further directed, and to use public transportation wherever possible. If you must drive, use extreme caution. Information about any service changes to public transportation is available on the MTA website at the MTA’s Web Site.

“If you must drive during the rest of the day I strongly urge you to use extreme caution and to refrain from driving tomorrow – use mass transit instead,” Bloomberg said.

2. Any vehicle found to be blocking roadways or impeding the ability to plow streets shall be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.

3. Effective immediately, alternate side parking, payment at parking meters and garbage collections are suspended citywide until further notice.

4. The Emergency Management, Fire, Police, Sanitation, and Transportation Commissioners will be taking all appropriate and necessary steps to preserve public safety and to render all required and available assistance to protect the security, well-being and health of the residents of the City.

{AP/CBS/My Fox NY/Matzav.com}