Winter storm pulls away after dumping heavy snow; frigid air won't budge | Live updates

Sanitation commanders are hoping plows will be soldiering through the city, and MTA buses will be rolling through the storm like it never even happened this weekend.

Mayor Mamdani told reporters on Friday that New York is as prepared as it can be.

"It is going to be a weekend where your city is prepared across every single level of government," he said. "We are working together to ensure that our streets are being kept clear, that New Yorkers are safeguarded, and that the most vulnerable among us are being connected with shelter."

N.J. Burkett has more with NYC's winter storm plan.

The mayor says the bridges and the highways, the avenues and the side streets. are already being treated to reduce ice buildup. Salt spreaders will be on the move Saturday.

The MTA is determined to keep transit running through the storm.

"The MTA will be operational this weekend," MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said. "Obviously, we have detailed plans in place for storms like this to protect the network, to protect our riders and to protect our employees. We pre-positioned a ton of equipment and personnel."

Buses are being equipped with chains, and a major focus is the 40% of the subway system that's above ground.

"We'll be focused on making sure that those continue to be operational," Lieber said. "With our snow fighting trains, with the de-icing systems, we'll have tow trucks ready for wherever they are needed."

The mayor will make a decision on school closures by noon Sunday. But even if the buildings are closed, students will be expected to learn remotely.

"Learning will continue in an environment the city deems safe," said NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. "We know that families need timely, clear information to plan their schedules and we are committed to getting you those updates as quickly as possible."

Lauren Glassberg has the latest on Mamdani's plan for safety and transportation.

It is the first major test of the new administration, and the mayor is determined to avoid scenes like when the city was caught off guard and commuters were left stranded, and entire neighborhoods were impassable.

"One of the key directives that I've both given myself, as well as the team around me, is that we will overcommunicate with New Yorkers," Mamdani said. "We are going to tell you at every instance when we have new information about the storm, what it is."

That 2018 storm is a painful memory for Acting Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan.

"If you go back in history of any storm issues, it's always been the forecast shifting, right? This one, we know it's going to be a big storm. We're prepared for it," he said.

NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol visits Eyewitness News to discuss winter storm.

In New Jersey, Gov. Mikie Sherrill held a briefing about storm preparations in the state on Friday afternoon, and declared a State of Emergency.

Reporter Anthony Johnson was in Fairfield where the town's office of emergency management updated their plan for Sunday's winter storm.

Anthony Johnson has more on storm preps in New Jersey.

The countdown to the big storm is in full force. Salt trucks are loaded and crews are ready to tackle what appears to be the biggest snow event we have seen in a long while.

Residents of Fairfield are urged to stay off the roads during the storm, don't dump plowed snow onto the roads and uncover fire hydrants buried under snow.

Fairfield officials say they have enough salt to make it through the storm.

This comes as some municipalities in the state are worried about the lack of salt to put on roads.

Salt trucks were also being loaded in Paramus, and crews were gearing up for round-the-clock shifts.

Officials in Paramus get salt spreaders ready for winter storm.

While the plow trucks are ready, shoppers have been plowing into food stores getting goodies as they prepare to hunker down for the storm.

It's an all out blitz for food but one shopper says it's normal to stock up with a cart full of family favorites.

The more people that stay home, the better for road crews. Authorities are asking everyone to stay off the roads when the storm hits.

This snow storm comes as a first big test of the new governor who is already urging residents of New Jersey to be prepared to ride this storm out at home.

NJ Transit is advising customers to monitor for potential service disruptions, detours or suspensions for Sunday, January 25 and Monday, January 26, due to the looming winter snowstorm.

"We are working diligently to prepare the transit system to maintain operations for as long as conditions safely allow, but customers should also prepare for potential service disruptions,"said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. "Everyone should stay informed about service updates, stay aware of their surroundings and travel only if necessary during severe weather conditions."

NJ TRANSIT said it will provide as much advance notice as possible. However, conditions may change quickly due to the nature of the storm. Customers are encouraged to continuously monitor njtransit.comfor the latest service information.

Systemwide cross-honoring will be in effect for rail, bus and private carriers and light rail service for the full service day on Sunday and Monday.

Key rail, bus and light rail personnel will be pre-positioned across the system to respond to any impacts throughout the duration of the storm. NJ TRANSIT's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be open and closely monitoring weather forecasts and conditions as the storm develops.

NJ TRANSIT Preparations for Winter Weather

RailOperations
- Rail cars and locomotives have been "winterized," a process that includes checking onboard heating systems, ventilation, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components, as well as changing locomotive filters and fuel from a summer blend to a winter blend.
- NJ TRANSIT's preventative maintenance program also includes the inspection and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and switch heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 moveable bridges and wayside power at storage yards and terminals.
- Two jet-engine-powered snow blowers are available to remove ice and snow from tracks and critical switching areas. In addition, all locomotives are equipped with snowplows to clear snow from the rails.
- NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations has a fully stocked supply of salt on hand with the ability to obtain additional supplies, if needed.
- In addition, our year-round tree trimming program proactively minimizes downed trees or limbs along the right-of-way and on our overhead electrical system, personnel are on standby to quickly respond to reports of trees or limbs that could damage overhead wires or prevent safe passage of trains. Our year-round tree trimming program is part of our preventative maintenance program.

Bus Operations
- Bus maintenance personnel have checked the heating systems, engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers, doors and airbrake systems on NJTRANSIT's fleet of more than 2,000 buses.
- Bus snow-fighting equipment has been readied and ice/snow-inhibiting supplies have been restocked for winter to keep 52 bus loops, terminals and lots cleared throughout the state.
- NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations also has a fully stocked supply of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its garages stocked with bags of salt.

Light RailOperations
- Snowplows are ready to clear station platforms and park/ride lots.
- Switch heaters have been tested throughout NJTRANSIT's three light rail systems.
- Necessary supplies such as calcium chloride, snow shovels, and scrapers are available and strategically located on the system.
- Snow blowers and backup generators have been checked to ensure they are in working order.
- Subcontractors are under contract to assist work crews in clearing all light rail stations, walkways, and park/ride facilities.
- Management staff for all three lines will be coordinating with local municipalities to discuss snow removal in the light rail's downtown 'street running' territory.

Stations and Terminals
- Salting will occur prior to the storm ahead of the winter weather at stations throughout the system.
- All rail stations equipped with heaters have been inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order.
- Staff will monitor platform conditions to ensure safe walking conditions.

Eyewitness News has an updated map on potential snowfall totals for the Tri-State area Sunday into early Monday.