New York City, February 22–23, 2026 – Mayor Zohran Mamdani has declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban in NYC due to winter storm, effective from 9:00 PM EST Sunday, February 22, through noon Monday, February 23. Streets, highways, and bridges across all five boroughs are closed to non-essential travel, including cars, trucks, scooters, and e-bikes. Only emergency personnel and essential workers are exempt.
The mayor emphasized that residents should stay home, stay indoors, and stay off the roads, warning that hazardous conditions put delivery workers, drivers, and restaurant staff at risk. Residents are encouraged to prepare meals at home and limit exposure until the storm passes.
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Blizzard Conditions and Storm Severity in NYC
The Winter Storm 2026 is producing snow at rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour, with wind gusts up to 70 mph, creating near-zero visibility conditions. Snowfall totals are expected to reach 18 to 28 inches across New York, New Jersey, and parts of New England.
Coastal and low-lying areas, including the Rockaways and Lower Manhattan, are at risk for storm surge and flooding, making adherence to the NYC storm travel advisory essential. Experts compare this storm to Winter Storm Jonas and the Boxing Day blizzard, highlighting its intensity and potential to disrupt city operations.
Emergency Operations and Safety Measures
New York City has activated Code Blue to assist vulnerable residents and ensure the homeless are brought inside safely. Overnight, 86 homeless individuals were placed into shelters, and outreach teams are canvassing all five boroughs 24/7.
The city has deployed:
- 22 warming buses,
- 11 health and hospital warming spaces,
- 13 school warming centers,
- Mobile units provide food, medical care, and additional support.
Residents are encouraged to call 311 to locate warming centers or request assistance for neighbors. NICHA resources have been mobilized for non-emergency issues such as heat, hot water, elevator, or building repairs. Visitors currently in NYC staying in a vacation rental should check with their property management for any emergency updates or assistance.
City Services and Schools Closed for Safety
Public schools across New York City will be closed for the first old-school snow day since 2019. The city received a waiver from the state education commissioner to avoid affecting the required 180 days of instruction due to these extenuating circumstances.
Other non-essential city offices, including libraries, are also closed to the public. Alternate Side Parking rules are suspended, and the Staten Island and NYC ferries will discontinue service starting at 5 00 PM Sunday, with operations expected to resume late Monday morning
Sanitation and Snow Clearance Efforts
The city has mobilized over 2,600 sanitation workers on 12-hour shifts, with an additional 2,600 scheduled for overnight operations. A fleet of 700 salt spreaders and 2,200 plowing vehicles is deployed, with real-time progress available on the NYC Plow Tracker at nyc.gov/plownyc.
The NYPD Highway Patrol is escorting sanitation crews for salting and plowing, and a tow truck task force is pre-staged to assist stranded motorists. The city has expanded its pool of 1,000 emergency snow shovelers, with 300 starting Sunday night to clear sidewalks, bus stops, and crosswalks.
Property owners are responsible for maintaining 4-foot-wide accessible paths for strollers and wheelchairs, including clearing bus stops and ramps. Residents are advised to exercise caution when shoveling wet, heavy snow, which can be physically strenuous.
Travel Ban Details
The New York City snowstorm travel ban took effect on Sunday, February 22, at 9:00 PM and is expected to remain in place until noon on Monday, February 23. Blizzard conditions are forecasted to produce 18 to 28 inches of snow across the city, with wind gusts reaching 70 mph, creating dangerous whiteout conditions. Coastal areas, including the Rockaways and Lower Manhattan, are at risk for flooding and storm surge, making travel especially hazardous
Air Travel Updates
The blizzard has caused widespread disruption across the U.S. Northeast, and airports in several cities are severely affected. Travelers should expect delays, cancellations, and limited ground transportation.
New York City Airports:
John F. Kennedy (JFK): Operating at near-zero capacity. Most runways closed for snow clearance. Only emergency landings are prioritized.
LaGuardia (LGA): Severe cancellations and delays; terminals operating with minimal staff. Avoid unless absolutely necessary.
Newark Liberty (EWR): Ground stops in effect, and many international and domestic flights are canceled.
Other Major Affected Airports:
Boston Logan (BOS): Large-scale flight cancellations. Only limited operations continue; delays expected throughout Monday.
Philadelphia International (PHL): Flight operations suspended or delayed due to heavy snow and poor visibility.
Washington D.C. Area (DCA/IAD/BWI): Delays and cancellations likely as storm moves south along I-95 corridor.
Tips for International Travelers:
- Avoid heading to airports unless your flight is confirmed.
- Check your airline app for travel waivers and rebooking options. Most airlines are allowing free rescheduling.
- Expect ground transport to be unavailable due to NYC travel restrictions. Ride-shares, taxis, buses, and shuttles are extremely limited.
In short, New York City airports are the hardest hit, followed closely by Boston and Philadelphia, with delays spreading south toward Washington, D.C.
Transportation and City Operations
New York City’s transportation system will be severely affected. Public transit, including subways and buses, may operate on limited schedules or be temporarily suspended in high-risk areas. Roads, bridges, and highways will be closed to non-essential travel, and the NYPD tow truck task force is pre-positioned to assist stranded motorists.
Sanitation crews have been deployed in 12-hour shifts, using over 2,200 plows, 700 salt spreaders, and additional snow shovelers to maintain roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks. Residents are reminded that clearing sidewalks and pedestrian paths is a property owner responsibility, and compliance is critical for public safety.
Safety Tips for Residents and Travelers
- Stay indoors and monitor local updates.
- Prepare for heavy snowfall and possible power outages.
- Exercise caution when shoveling snow, especially wet and heavy snow.
- Check in on neighbors, particularly the elderly or those with disabilities or special medical needs.
- Sign up for Notify NYC for emergency alerts in 14 languages, including ASL.
- For heat, hot water, or building issues, contact your landlord or 311.
These tips are part of the NYC winter storm alerts, designed to keep residents and travelers safe during the historic blizzard.
Closure
The 2026 New York City blizzard is a serious weather event requiring heightened precautions. The city has declared a state of emergency, implemented a NYC emergency travel ban, closed schools, and deployed extensive resources to protect residents and travelers.
For international travelers, it is highly recommended to avoid visiting NYC during this storm, check airline statuses, and plan accommodations accordingly. For those in the city, staying home, accessing warming centers if needed, and following city alerts are essential for safety.
Stay informed, stay warm, and avoid unnecessary travel until the storm subsides. New York City’s emergency teams are working around the clock to ensure the city remains safe and accessible.
