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.
