Children play in the snow in Central Park in Manhattan, New York, U.S., December 27, 2025. REUTERS/Kena Betancur // NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks to guests during commemoration of MLK day at the National Action Network in New York City, U.S., January 19, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
(New York, New York) – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Friday that the city is fully prepared for a potentially major snowstorm expected to hit the region this weekend, warning residents that snowfall totals could reach levels not seen in years.
Mamdani spoke at a news conference shortly after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a statewide emergency. Forecasts call for up to a foot of snow in parts of the city, with Mamdani noting New York has not experienced that level of snowfall in quick succession in nearly five years. “Above all else, it’s going to be a weekend where your city is prepared,” he said.
City officials said preparations began early Friday, with crews spraying highways, major streets and bike lanes with salt brine to reduce ice buildup. More than 2,000 sanitation workers will begin 12-hour shifts Saturday morning, supported by 700 salt spreaders. Once snow accumulation reaches two inches, officials say 2,200 plows will be deployed citywide, likely by Sunday morning. Residents will be able to track plows in real time.
The city will also issue a Code Blue due to freezing temperatures, triggering outreach efforts to bring homeless New Yorkers into shelters. Mamdani urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel Sunday and Monday, advising people to complete errands before the storm and stay off the roads once snow begins falling.
Mamdani ruled out a traditional snow day for public schools on Monday, saying the city will decide by Sunday at noon whether classes will be remote or in person. School officials said the system has been stress-tested to handle large-scale remote learning if needed. Meanwhile, the MTA said subways and buses will continue operating, with snow-fighting trains, de-icing systems, and tire chains on buses in place to keep service running throughout the storm.
