Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday night issued a state of emergency order due to the monstrous storm that must hit New York City.
Residents were urged to stay home during the storm – with all non-essential travel restricted from 6am on Monday.
“This is a very dangerous storm,” said the mayor in NY1.
Only those seeking medical treatment or medical supplies and essential workers – such as first responders, pharmacy and supermarket workers and restaurant and delivery workers – will be allowed to drive on the roads.
“New Yorkers must stay at home, keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles and let our plows work to keep us safe.” de Blasio said in a statement.
“Make no mistake: this storm will bring heavy snow and make travel dangerous in every neighborhood in our city.”
The storm – nicknamed Orlena by the Weather Channel – is expected to pour between 18 and 24 inches of snow into the Big Apple from Monday to Tuesday.
The strongest snowfall is predicted for mid-morning Monday night, with the potential for falling flakes at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per hour.
The mixture of heavy snow and gusts of wind can lead to snowy conditions.
It would be the first time in at least five years that the city has been covered with more than a foot of snow during a single storm.
De Blasio said on Sunday that coronavirus vaccination appointments scheduled for Monday were postponed due to the impending storm, with a decision on Tuesday’s consultations still to be made.
“It will be rescheduled quickly,” he said later on NY1 about Monday’s appointments.
“We don’t want people to try to get vaccinated and be in danger during that time.”
On-site teaching in the city’s public schools was also canceled on Monday, with classes going online.
The alternative side parking has been suspended for Monday and Tuesday.