Mayor Zohran Mamdani said New York City has been hit by near-blizzard conditions since the prior night, with 16–19 inches across most of the city and over 24 inches reported in parts of eastern Staten Island, plus wind gusts up to 60 mph. He said the worst appears to have passed, but snow would continue through the afternoon with another 1.5–2.5 inches expected by 8:00 p.m., and gusts up to 40 mph into the evening. NYC remains under a state of emergency: the travel ban ended at noon, but a hazardous travel advisory stays in effect until midnight, and he urged all non-emergency traffic (cars, trucks, scooters, e-bikes) to stay off the roads so plows and emergency vehicles can operate safely; if people must go out, he recommended public transit.
He outlined the city response: a “full-force” winter operation with 2,600 sanitation workers per 12-hour shift, 2,300+ plows including 700 salt spreaders, and 50+ million pounds of salt deployed, with 99.5% of streets plowed at least once as of 12:30 p.m., and a promise to keep plowing as many times as needed. DSNY used 575 emergency snow shovelers overnight and 800+ on the morning shift, clearing 1,600+ crosswalks, 419 hydrants, and ~900 bus stops. He said the city expanded the shoveler program to 1,800 people per shift, raised pay to $30/hour, and told applicants to report to any DSNY garage (until 8:00 p.m. tonight, and again starting 9:00 a.m. tomorrow) with two forms of ID for payroll. He highlighted extra focus on Staten Island, including additional DSNY equipment and NYPD tow support to free stuck vehicles (including buses), and noted residents can track plowing on the city’s plow tracker.
On city operations, he announced school will be in person tomorrow (despite today being a snow day), alternate-side parking is suspended through the week, NYC Ferry remains suspended today while the Staten Island Ferry runs on half-hour service, with decisions on tomorrow’s ferry service later in the day. Public libraries are closed today with an update later; city buildings reopen to the public tomorrow for in-person services. He said Code Blue and an enhanced Code Blue are in effect through Wednesday morning, described ongoing homeless outreach and added shelter capacity (including 100 additional low-barrier stabilization beds), and listed warming resources (warming buses, warming centers, mobile warming units). He ended by urging New Yorkers to check on vulnerable neighbors and to call 311 if someone needs help finding warmth or shelter.
Video: Mayor Mamdani Holds Press Conference to Provide Weather Updates NYCEM Headquarters
165 Cadman Plaza E Brooklyn, NY 11201
New York , February23, 2026
Sources: NYC Mayor’s Office , Midtown Tribune news