NEW YORK CITY — All cranes are to cease operations on Saturday in anticipation of a windy weekend, according to the city's Department of Buildings.
The announcement came as the National Weather Service forecast predicted consistent winds of more than 20 mph throughout Saturday and into Sunday, with gusts topping 40 mph.
Cranes will be permitted to operate on Sunday, depending on wind speeds, the city said.
Last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a new DOB directive banning the operation of crawler cranes — defined as cranes driven on tracks — when forecasts predict consistent winds of more than 20 mph, or when gusts are anticipated to exceed 30 mph.
The base fine for violations was also raised to $10,000.
The changes followed a fatal wind-related crawler crane collapse on Feb. 5 that killed one man and injured three others.
On Friday, the DOB also reminded all builders, contractors and property owners to secure their properties this weekend, and said it will conduct spot checks to ensure safety.
The city urged property owners and contractors to anchor equipment or objects that could be moved by the wind, to cover electrical equipment and to bring loose items inside.
Unsafe conditions can be reported by calling 311.
