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NYC Under State of Emergency: Historic Blizzard Hits

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. r-state-of-emergency-historic-blizzard-hits.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 8:43 GMT by abc7NY
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

NEW YORK CITY -- February 23rd, 2026 - New York City is currently under a state of emergency as a historic blizzard descends upon the region, bringing with it crippling snowfall, dangerously high winds, and the threat of widespread power outages. Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared the emergency late Sunday, enacting a full-day closure of all public schools and implementing a city-wide travel ban, effectively halting movement across the five boroughs.

The National Weather Service is predicting snowfall totals exceeding 24 inches in some areas, coupled with sustained winds of up to 60 mph. These conditions create blizzard conditions - a combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds reducing visibility to near zero - posing significant risks to anyone attempting to travel. The storm is being described by meteorologists as a 'cyclonic bomb,' referencing the rapid intensification of the low-pressure system driving the severe weather.

Impact Beyond Schools and Travel:

The impact of this blizzard extends far beyond just school closures and traffic disruptions. LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark airports have all suspended flights, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. Amtrak has also announced significant delays and cancellations for trains serving the Northeast Corridor. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is closely monitoring bridges and tunnels, with potential closures anticipated if wind speeds escalate further.

Con Edison, the city's primary energy provider, has activated its emergency response team and is pre-positioning crews and equipment to address potential power outages. The combination of heavy, wet snow and strong winds poses a significant threat to power lines and infrastructure. Officials are urging residents to report any downed power lines immediately and to avoid approaching them.

City's Preparedness and Response:

Mayor Mamdani, speaking at a press conference Sunday afternoon, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. "This is not a storm to be taken lightly," he stated. "We've learned lessons from past storms, and we're implementing those lessons now to ensure the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers." The city has deployed sanitation crews to begin snow removal operations, focusing on major thoroughfares and emergency routes. However, the sheer volume of snowfall is expected to make clearing streets a monumental task.

Emergency services, including the NYPD, FDNY, and EMS, are on high alert and prepared to respond to any incidents. The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is coordinating the city's response and disseminating information to the public. Warming centers have been opened across the city for those without adequate heating or shelter. A complete list of warming center locations can be found on the NYC OEM website. (Please check [ https://www.nyc.gov/oem ] for updated information).

Preparing for the Long Haul:

Residents are being advised to prepare for potential disruptions lasting for several days. The heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures are likely to create hazardous conditions well after the storm has passed. Sidewalks are expected to be icy and difficult to navigate. The Department of Transportation is urging pedestrians to exercise extreme caution and to wear appropriate footwear.

The city is also reminding residents of essential preparedness measures: ensuring a sufficient supply of non-perishable food, water, and medications; charging electronic devices and having backup power sources available; and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members, especially the elderly and those with disabilities.

Looking Ahead:

Meteorologists predict that the storm will begin to taper off late Monday evening, but cleanup efforts are expected to continue throughout the week. The full extent of the damage and the economic impact of the blizzard remain to be seen. Experts are already anticipating significant disruptions to supply chains and transportation networks, potentially impacting the availability of goods and services in the coming days. The storm serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, highlighting the importance of ongoing preparedness and resilience efforts.