New York’s New Headache

By COLlive and CNN
Photos: Shmulik Sofer/COLlive

As a Nor’easter hones in on the Northeastern coast, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has a message for residents already struggling with the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy: Get off the road.

The storm is expected to begin pounding the New York area around midday and will bring frigid temperatures, high winds, storm surges and an inch or so of rain to many towns that are still without power, still flooded, or are finally just getting back to normal after Sandy roared through.

“The city is taking significant precautions in advance of the storm, including halting all construction, closing all city parks, encouraging drivers to stay off the road after 5:00 PM, or to use extreme caution if they have to drive and employing door-to-door operations to urge people without heat to take shelter to stay warm,” Bloomberg’s office said in a statement.

The mayor warned that just because this storm isn’t as bad as Sandy, it will likely compound issues created by the superstorm.

“Because Hurricane Sandy weakened trees and caused extensive damage and debris, the predicted wind speeds present an increased risk of more downed trees and tree limbs, as well as windblown debris. All New Yorkers are urged to stay indoors during inclement conditions.”

But the Oholei Torah Alumni Reunion tonight will proceed as scheduled, COLlive.com was told.

“The yeshiva known to be open even during the biggest snow storms – will be open and hold its Alumni Reunion, despite the weather outside – in keeping with the spirit of the yeshiva for all the years,” said coordinator Rabbi Nosson Blumes.

“Boruch Hashem, the out of town speakers all made it in time, and have prepared a warm and exciting evening, which will surely be worth the effort of all those who plan on joining.”

Video: Rabbi Yosef Brod telling how he was carried by Reb Michoel Teitelbaum, a”h, during a blizzard making sure he got safely on the bus.