NEW YORK — City officials are warning New Yorkers to stay indoors and prepare for frigid conditions this weekend as a major winter storm bears down on the boroughs.
Up to a foot of snow is forecast for the Eastern seaboard with a storm that's expected to hit early Saturday and last through Sunday morning, possibly into the early afternoon. Temperatures should hover in the high 20s into the low 30s, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.
Potential major #WinterStorm for the Eastern U.S. later this week https://t.co/LtPh9PhYfv | https://t.co/6W4W2He2lD pic.twitter.com/dAo4xb6ALv
— NWS (@NWS) January 19, 2016The Office of Emergency Management put out a public service announcement featuring members of the New York Islanders encouraging residents to get ready.
Among its recommendations, the city urges New Yorkers to be careful with their space heaters — and use only portable heaters approved for indoor use.
Stoves, ovens and grills should never be used to heat a home, officials said.
Also make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and assemble an Emergency Supply Kit featuring warm clothing and a battery-powered radio.
Tenants without heat or hot water can call 311 to report the problem if their building management cannot fix it.
If homeless people need medical attention or a place to stay, residents can call 311 to report their location to a city outreach team.
If the temperature drops below 32 degrees, the city will issue a Code Blue Weather Emergency, opening all shelters and drop-in centers to those in need.
