New York City emergency officials issued a hazardous travel advisory Saturday, warning residents to stay off the roads as a major blizzard threatens to dump up to 20 inches of snow on the five boroughs beginning Sunday afternoon.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning effective from 1 p.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. Forecasters predict snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour during the peak of the storm, which is expected between 10 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. Monday. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are expected to create whiteout conditions and potential power outages citywide.
“As our city prepares for levels of snow not seen since 2016, my administration is ready,” Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani said. “We are activating every tool at our disposal to keep New Yorkers safe, informed and indoors.”
New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Christina Farrell warned that the combination of heavy snow, high winds, and coastal flooding will make travel “dangerous” from Sunday night into Monday morning. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is anticipated in vulnerable areas, including Staten Island, The Battery, and neighborhoods surrounding Jamaica Bay.
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is preparing a massive deployment of salt spreaders and plows. To facilitate clearing operations, Alternate Side Parking has been suspended for Monday, Feb. 23. Acting Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan urged property owners to clear paths on adjacent sidewalks once the precipitation ends, noting that pushing snow into streets or bike lanes is illegal.
In response to the life-threatening cold and conditions, the city is opening warming centers across all five boroughs. The network includes 18 warming buses, 11 Health + Hospitals spaces, and 13 schools. Locations will be posted on LinkNYC kiosks by 6 a.m. Sunday, or residents can call 311 for the nearest site.
NYCEM has activated its Situation Room and will open the city’s Emergency Operations Center Sunday morning. Specialized task forces have been put on standby to manage disabled vehicles and downed trees. Additionally, the city is seeking paid emergency snow shovelers, with registration open at all DSNY garages Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Officials are urging New Yorkers to sign up for Notify NYC for real-time updates and to check on vulnerable neighbors, particularly older adults and those in basement apartments. Residents in low-lying areas are advised to move vehicles to higher ground and prepare for potential flooding.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
