NYC Winter Storm Response: Mayor Mamdani Updates on Snow, Schools, and Homelessness

Winter Storm Response and Preparedness

• ❄️ Mayor Mamdani provided an update on New York City's response to a significant winter storm, thanking DSNY workers for their tireless efforts.
• 🌨️ The city anticipates up to 11 inches of snow, with sustained winds and freezing rain expected overnight, followed by mixed precipitation until noon tomorrow.
• ⚠️ A hazardous travel advisory is in effect, with a strong emphasis on New Yorkers staying home and off the roads to ensure safety and facilitate city operations.

Remote Learning and School Operations

• 🏫 New York City public schools will operate remotely tomorrow, January 26th, with no in-person instruction due to extreme weather conditions.
• 💻 Systems have been stress-tested, and students were sent home with necessary materials and technology for virtual learning.
• 📚 For high school students and those in grades 6-12, tomorrow remains a scheduled professional learning day or day off.

Addressing Homelessness and Cold Weather Dangers

• 🥶 The storm brings temperatures colder than the city has experienced in eight years, posing a fatal risk to those without shelter.
• 🆘 The city has opened 10 warming centers in school buildings and maintains over 126 shelters, 50 hospitals, and 35 safe havens.
• 📞 New Yorkers are urged to call 311 if they see anyone who may require assistance, as these calls are rerouted to 911 during a Code Blue.

City Agency Coordination and Transportation Updates

• 🚗 DSNY has pre-salted highways and deployed over 2500 sanitation workers, with a citywide plow operation completed by 8:30 a.m.
• 🌉 DOT crews are tending to bridges, the Parks Department is managing snow removal, and the NYPD is escorting EMS and DSNY.
• 🚆 The MTA is operating with adjustments, including subway lines running local and buses with reroutes, while commuter railroads are on modified schedules.
• 🚢 NYC Ferry has suspended all service, and the Staten Island Ferry is operating hourly.

Public Safety and Community Support

• 💡 New Yorkers are advised to be cautious with space heaters, ensuring they are kept at least 3 feet from flammable materials.
• 🤝 The city acknowledges and appreciates the community's efforts, with many neighbors helping each other with meals, shopping, and support.
• 📢 Residents can sign up for Notify NYC updates by texting 'notify NYC' to 692692.