A significant winter storm is poised to impact the New York City area this Sunday, bringing near-blizzard conditions characterized by strong winds and bitterly cold temperatures not seen in years. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced during a press briefing that snowfall is anticipated to commence around midnight, intensifying into early Sunday morning. The National Weather Service forecasts that snowfall rates could reach one to two inches per hour, potentially producing whiteout conditions throughout the day.
Although the heaviest snow is expected to ease by Sunday evening, transitioning to sleet, a hazardous travel advisory has been issued and will remain in effect until Monday. The forecast predicts prolonged subfreezing temperatures, with frigid weather expected to grip the city for much of the upcoming week. “It will be colder than any sustained period that New York has experienced in about eight years,” Mayor Mamdani remarked.
City crews have been diligently preparing for the storm, with the mayor commending sanitation and emergency personnel for their efforts both before and during the impending inclement weather. He urged residents to stay home, observing, “These are the New Yorkers who are going out, they are rushing out into the very conditions that are dangerous enough for us to ask people to avoid them.”
New York City’s Housing Authority (NYCHA) is deploying additional staff to address any urgent weather-related repairs, while extra ambulances will be on standby. The city’s Emergency Operations Center is prepared to deploy new ambulances should any get stuck in the snow, and escorts will be provided as needed.
In an effort to safeguard vulnerable populations, outreach workers have been canvassing the boroughs to direct those in need of shelter to safe havens. Mayor Mamdani emphasized that no individual requiring shelter will be turned away, whether from city hospitals or shelters operated by the Department of Homeless Services. Residents are encouraged to call 311 to report anyone needing assistance, as these calls will be rerouted to 911.
Despite the severe forecast, meteorologist Matthew Wunsch noted that Sunday may surprisingly be one of the warmer days in the near-term outlook, with temperatures expected to remain below freezing for the entire week. High temperatures are projected to hover around 30 degrees on Monday before plunging to the teens and low twenties by mid-week.
As ice accumulates, there is a heightened risk of power outages due to the added weight on power lines, particularly in the outer boroughs and suburbs, despite most of Manhattan’s power lines being buried underground.
City crews will continue to work throughout the storm to maintain roadways, but the combination of heavy snow and harsh temperatures could create a challenging morning commute. A decision regarding whether schools will operate remotely or in person is expected to be announced by noon on Sunday.
In his concluding remarks, Mayor Mamdani encouraged residents to remain indoors for their safety. “I urge every New Yorker who can to put a warm sweater on, turn on the TV, watch ‘Mission Impossible’ for the 10th time, above all to stay inside,” he stated. “Together, New York, we are going to get through this. Stay warm, stay prepared, stay safe.”