NYC mayor issues travel ban and declares state of emergency as US northeast prepares for historic winter storm
Ellie Kemp
Featured Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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.
February might almost be over, but parts of the US have been bracing for yet another major winter storm.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the emergency declaration on Sunday (February 22) ahead of a severe winter storm expected to bring between 17 and 24 inches of snow, as well as wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
A National Weather Service blizzard warning remains in effect until 6 pm on Monday (February 23), with forecasters urging residents to travel only in emergencies.
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To keep roads clear for emergency crews and essential workers, city streets, highways, bridges and tunnels will be closed to non-essential vehicular traffic from 9 pm Sunday until 12 pm Monday, it was announced in a statement.
The temporary travel restriction applies to most vehicles, including commercial trucks, electric bikes and scooters.
Exceptions are in place for emergency responders, public transit, utility crews and vehicles delivering food, fuel and medical supplies.
Violations are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, usually 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 went on to explain that the emergency declaration allows the city to 'cut through red tape' and ensure first responders can operate without delay.
Mamdani urged residents to stay home and check in on vulnerable neighbors, particularly seniors.
All New York City Public School buildings will be closed Monday, while Alternate Side Parking is suspended, and in-person city services will be closed, though essential staff are required to report.
Subway services are expected to continue operating, though some lines will run locally and scheduled track work has been suspended.
Long Island Rail Road service will shut down Sunday evening.
Major airlines, including Delta, American and United, have grounded flights into New York and Boston and Staten Island Ferry service will move to an hourly schedule overnight, while Citi Bike and scooter-share services have been halted.
Governor Kathy Hochul has also declared a state of emergency across multiple counties, activating 100 National Guard members and placing more than 5,600 utility workers on standby.
The storm comes roughly a month after a major winter system that left an estimated 26 New Yorkers dead, and after multiple winter storms have battered the country this year alone.