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New York City prepared for another snowstorm
January-12-2011

Another major snowstorm is expected to hit New York City from Tuesday night and is likely to drop 8 to 14 inches of snow by Wednesday evening.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the city in effect from Tuesday at 7 p.m. through Wednesday at 6 p. m. This will be the third snowstorm for New York City within three weeks.

It is forecast that the snow will be heavy at times and accompanied by wind gusts of 20 to 25 miles per hour, likely snarling the morning commute as well as travel on roads and at local airports.

Ahead of the snowfall, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg asked New Yorkers to stay off roads, use 311 for all non-emergency calls and keep an eye on fellow residents, especially the elderly.

The mayor said a decision about whether to close the city's public schools would be made at 5 a.m. Wednesday.

The city has lined up 365 salt spreaders and 1,700 plows to assist in the effort. Some will be placed on roads earlier than usual in anticipation of the storm.

Snow throwing and de-icing trains will be ready to clear subway tracks and unused subway trains will be stored underground to ensure they don't get stuck in the snow.

Some major U.S. airlines, including Delta, Continental, United and JetBlue, were waiving fees for changing tickets for travelers heading into or out of LaGuardia, JFK or Newark Airports on Tuesday and Wednesday, as all three airports would likely see delays and cancellations due to the storm.