New York City issued a snow alert on Monday night, causing another headache for restaurant owners before a storm is expected to bring heavy snow to the Tri-State on Wednesday.
New York City could see anywhere from 8.6 to 12.5 inches of accumulation. The more aggressive model shows areas north and west of the city getting closer to 2 feet.
Snow is expected to start Wednesday evening, with the heaviest snowfall overnight. It should taper off Thursday morning.
Strong winds may also lead to blizzard-like conditions and power outages.
Preparations for the snow are already underway. And in New York City, keeping the roads clear is even more of a challenge this year because of outdoor dining structures.
Now that the city has issued a snow alert, roadway dining is suspended at 2 p.m. Wednesday for at least 24 hours, CBS2’s Ali Bauman reported.
Restaurants must:
Secure or remove outdoor seating.
Regularly remove snow from overhead coverings.
Bring electrical heaters inside.
“Because we have such powerful electric heaters out there, we have to bring in an electrician to dismantle it,” said restaurant owner Jacob Poznak.
Acting Department of Sanitation Commissioner Edward Grayson says his crews are gearing up for a big one.
“The men and woman of the Sanitation Department are coming. Every street is on a route and our mission is to complete all our routes,” Grayson told CBS2’s Hazel Sanchez.
