New York City has declared a local state of emergency as it prepares for its first blizzard warning in nearly a decade, with officials warning of potentially life-threatening conditions across the five boroughs.
With February nearing its end, large areas of the US are once again preparing for another significant winter storm.
On Sunday (February 22), Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city is entering a state of emergency ahead of a system forecast to drop 17 to 24 inches of snow, alongside wind gusts that could reach 60 mph.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning that remains active until 6 pm Monday (February 23), and officials are advising residents to avoid travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
To help keep routes open for emergency crews and critical workers, a temporary ban on non-essential vehicle travel will take effect. Under the plan, city streets, highways, bridges, and tunnels will be closed to non-essential traffic from 9 pm Sunday through 12 pm Monday, according to an official statement.
The restriction covers a wide range of vehicles, including commercial trucks as well as electric bikes and scooters.
However, exemptions will be made for emergency services, public transportation, utility repair teams, and vehicles bringing in essentials such as food, fuel, and medical supplies.
Officials warned that anyone who ignores the order could face a Class B misdemeanor, which is typically punishable by up to six months in jail or fines of up to $5,000.
“The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority,” Mamdani said in a press conference, adding: “As this blizzard moves in, our administration is mobilizing every tool at our disposal, around the clock, to keep our neighbors safe.”
He said the emergency declaration gives the city more flexibility by allowing agencies to move quickly and remove administrative delays so first responders can act immediately.
Mamdani also encouraged residents to remain indoors and to check on people who may need extra support, especially older New Yorkers.
City officials confirmed that all New York City Public School buildings will be closed on Monday. Alternate Side Parking rules are suspended, and in-person city services will not operate, though essential workers are still expected to report.
The subway is expected to keep running, although some routes will operate locally, and planned track work has been paused.
Long Island Rail Road service is set to stop on Sunday evening.
Air travel has also been disrupted. Major carriers including Delta, American, and United have halted flights into New York and Boston. The Staten Island Ferry will shift to an hourly overnight schedule, while Citi Bike and scooter-share programs have been suspended.
Elsewhere, Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency in several counties, deploying 100 National Guard members and putting more than 5,600 utility workers on standby.
The latest storm arrives roughly a month after another major winter weather event that reportedly left about 26 people dead in New York, following multiple rounds of severe winter conditions across the country so far this year.