Road, utility crews ready for major winter storm

The forecast tells us to settle in for this storm. It’s going to be a long duration weather event, expected to keep road crews and public utility workers busy.

Albany’s Department of General Services garage will be a major hub of activity during and after the impending snowstorm. It was already quite busy Monday morning with storm preparation, where it’s an “all hands on deck” operation.

Mayor Kathy Sheehan, along with other city officials, spoke to reporters there. The news conference was held in conjunction with National Grid to remind everyone this is expected to be an incredibly dangerous storm.

More than a foot of heavy, wet snow is expected to fall in some areas. People are advised to stay home and not travel unless it’s necessary.

If you have a chance, stock up on items today – food items, flashlights, batteries, and gasoline for your generators.

Remember to keep generators outside your home.

Expect tree limbs and wires to come down. Always treat a downed wire as if it was live.

If you lose power, don’t expect National Grid to know that. Call and tell them at 800-642-4272.

Sheehan’s office also released the following information:

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “The City’s Department of General Services has been working around the clock to prepare for the impending snowstorm headed our way. Thanks to the leadership of Commissioner Panunzio and quick work of his team, we are filling the salters, reading our crews, and calling in our contractors to be ready to clear our streets and remove snow from the City as quickly as possible. We urge residents to have patience, especially during the snowfall on Tuesday, as DGS will focus on the emergency routes first, and then shift their attention to secondary streets. We encourage residents to help these efforts by parking your vehicle off-street this evening and Tuesday, and help your neighbors travel safely by clearing your sidewalks within 24 hours of the last snowfall.”
 
To assist the Department of General Services before the snow falls, the City of Albany is:

• Lifting timed parking restrictions in Washington Park and Lincoln Park beginning Monday at 6:00 PM through Friday at 9:00 AM, and opening the interior roads of Washington Park to make them available for parking beginning Monday at 6:00 PM through Friday at 9:00 AM
• Encouraging Zone C Residential Permit Parkers (Ten Broeck Mansion and Sheridan Hollow Neighborhoods) to park their vehicles in the Quackenbush Garage behind 677 Broadway – free of charge thanks to Park Albany – beginning Monday at 6:00 PM until Friday at 8:00 AM
• Reminding residents quality of life, safety, and emergency violations such as blocking hydrants, crosswalks, and “no parking” zones will continue to be enforced across the City of Albany

The City of Albany anticipates issuing an update regarding a possible a Snow Emergency on Tuesday afternoon at the earliest.

All City Buildings Closed on Tuesday, March 14:
Mayor Sheehan has directed all non-essential City employees to work from home on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, and as a result City Hall, 200 Henry Johnson Boulevard, Hoffman Park Recreation Center, and all other City buildings will be closed on Tuesday, March 14.

Albany City Civil and Criminal Court:
The New York State Office of Court Administration has not yet decided whether City Civil and Criminal Courts will be open on Tuesday, March 14. Any individual who is scheduled to appear before Albany City Court on Tuesday, March 14 should contact the New York State Office of Court Administration regarding their appearance by calling 518-453-4640.

In the event of an emergency, dial 911.

To report a Power Outage:
To report a power outage, please contact National Grid by visiting https://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Home/Outage-Central/ or by calling 1-800-867-5222.

Sidewalk Snow Removal:
It is imperative that property owners keep the sidewalks adjacent to their property clear for pedestrians in wheelchairs and pedestrian walkers to safely pass by. According to City Code 323-21, it is the responsibility of all property owners’ and/or residents to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks and accessibility ramps adjacent to their property within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.

If your sidewalk is not in compliance within 24 hours of the last snowfall, the Department of General Services may clear the sidewalk of snow and ice, and the property owner will be issued a bill for the cost of removal and charged a fine.

Other Snow Event Information:
Information about what to do when it snows in Albany can be found by visiting https://www.albanyny.gov/320/Snow-Ice-Removal