New York City is preparing for a significant snowstorm, prompting Mayor Zohran Mamdani to advise residents to prepare for severe winter weather, including heavy snow and frigid temperatures.
City Preparations and Forecast
Mayor Mamdani held a news conference on Saturday at the Spring Street Salt Shed in Manhattan. A state of emergency was in effect for New York, and the forecast indicated 8-12 inches of snow starting early Sunday.
Mamdani stated that city agencies were collaborating, equipped, and prepared, with every precaution being taken.
The city's snow response plan was also detailed on social media.
Expected Snowfall and Travel Advisory
Mayor Mamdani projected 2 inches of snow accumulation by midday Sunday, at which point the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) planned to deploy plows. The public was advised to remain at home.
Heaviest snowfall, low visibility, and winds up to 35 mph were expected late Sunday morning and early afternoon, potentially leading to whiteout or near-blizzard conditions.
A hazardous travel advisory was issued for Sunday and Monday, urging residents to avoid driving or unnecessary travel. Residents can monitor DSNY's plowing operations via the PlowNYC online tracker tool.
Agency Readiness and State Coordination
Other city agencies, including NYCHA, Parks, and Public Schools, had increased staffing and prepared for the severe weather for several days. Mamdani noted that 311 reports from previous snowstorms had been reviewed to identify areas with inadequate service provision, such as insufficient salt distribution, which would be addressed.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard to assist New York City, confirming coordination with Mayor Mamdani.
Frigid Temperatures and Homeless Services
Mamdani cautioned that the storm would lead to a prolonged period of frigid temperatures.
Temperatures are projected to last through the following week and be colder than any sustained period in New York in approximately eight years.
A Code Blue alert, initiated on Thursday, was announced to continue. Homeless Services outreach workers were deployed across the five boroughs to connect homeless individuals with shelter, ensuring no one would be denied access.
Hospitals, Department of Homeless Services drop-in centers, and DHS shelters maintained an open-door policy. Residents needing access to warmth were advised to call 311.
School and Event Cancellations
Public school students were not expected to have a snow day on Monday, with a decision regarding in-person or remote classes to be finalized by Sunday at noon. Teachers and public school staff ensured students possessed necessary devices for remote learning, if implemented, and conducted testing to guarantee seamless virtual learning operations.
As a component of the state of emergency, early voting for the Feb. 3 special elections in New York City was suspended on Sunday and Monday. The state was collaborating with the city Board of Elections to extend voting hours for the remaining early voting period to compensate for the suspension.
Additional city locations and events were closed or canceled in anticipation of the storm:
- Bronx Zoo
- Central Park Zoo
- New York Aquarium
- Museum of the Moving Image in Queens
- The Rangers' Alumni Classic at Madison Square Garden (refunds to be issued).