NYC Mayor Mamdani's Blizzard Update: Schools Reopen, Travel Advisory Remains

Blizzard Conditions and Forecast

• ❄️ New York City experienced near blizzard conditions with 16-19 inches of snow in most areas and over 24 inches in eastern Staten Island.
• 💨 Extreme winds reached gusts up to 60 mph, with projections of an additional 1.5 to 2.5 inches of snow and 40 mph gusts into the evening.
• ⚠️ A hazardous travel advisory remains in effect through midnight, though the city-wide travel ban has ended.

City Services and Response Efforts

• 🚗 Non-emergency traffic is strongly discouraged, with 2600 sanitation workers and over 2300 plows deployed citywide.
• 🛠️ DSNY has cleared over 1,600 crosswalks, 419 fire hydrants, and nearly 900 bus stops overnight, utilizing the Bladeunner 2.0 system for real-time monitoring.
• 💰 The pay for emergency snow shovelers has been increased to $30 per hour, with walk-in opportunities available at DSNY garages.
• 🚌 NYC Ferry service is suspended for the day, while the Staten Island Ferry is running on a half-hour schedule.

Public Facilities and Homeless Outreach

• 🏫 Public libraries are closed today, with reopening plans for tomorrow to be announced.
• 🏢 City buildings will reopen for in-person services tomorrow.
• 🏠 Enhanced Code Blue remains in effect through Wednesday morning, with outreach workers making 79 placements into shelters overnight.
• 💡 Additional low barrier stabilization beds, warming buses, and school warming centers are available for those needing shelter.

Infrastructure and Property Owner Responsibilities

• ⚡ Power outages affected over 11,000 New Yorkers in the Rockaways, with most power restored; warming centers are open as a contingency.
• 🏠 Property owners are mandated to clear 4ft wide paths across all sidewalks, with citations issued for non-compliance.
• 🗑️ Trash collection is suspended today and tomorrow, with recycling delayed into the following week.

Transportation and Essential Services

• 🚆 The MTA workforce has been active throughout the blizzard, with subway service operating with delays and adjustments.
• 🚉 Long Island Railroad service is suspended due to heavy snow and winds, with plans for partial resumption tomorrow.
• 🚌 Bus services are running with delays and detours, and the MTA is working with city teams to address stuck vehicles.
• ✈️ Flight suspensions occurred overnight, and travelers should confirm directly with airlines for updates.

Public Safety and Community Support

• 🤝 New Yorkers are urged to check on neighbors, especially seniors and those with medical needs.
• 📢 Notify NYC is available for real-time updates via text or at nyc.gov/notify.
• ⚠️ While no fatalities are reported, the city emphasizes preparedness and community care during severe weather events.