New York City is preparing for the potential of a major winter storm to hit the city this weekend.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani says the city is ready, with winter preparations expected to get underway on Friday.
Pre-snow treatment is scheduled to begin on Friday, with brining on major highways, streets and bike lanes to mitigate snow and ice accumulation.
On Saturday morning, roughly 2,000 sanitation workers will begin 12-hour shifts to remove snow around the clock, according to the major.
Currently, the Department of Sanitation fleet is being transformed into a snow clearing fleet in anticipation of snow.
On Saturday night, DSNY is expected to deploy 700 salt spreaders to hit every part of the city with multiple passes.
"DSNY is very good at what they do, and they are very well practiced at this work," Mamdani said.
Once a couple of issues of snow have fallen, snowplows will be deployed across the city.
Due to the expected cold front, a cold blue will be active, meaning outreach teams will be canvasing the city for venerable New Yorkers who need a place to stay warm.
As for schools? Mamdani says they have not made a final decision of if schools will be open in-person, or if it will be a virtual learning day.
"This forecast is quickly changing, and the city will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves," the mayor said.
The city is encouraging people to sign up for notify NYC to receive real-time updates on the storm.
"If you're interested in buying some groceries or a new winter coat, today is the day I recommend to do so, do not leave it to the weekend," the mayor said.