New York faced a major winter storm on January 25, 2026. Speaking from the state’s Emergency Operations Center in Albany, Governor Kathy Hochul warned that the weather would be dangerous—deep snow, extreme cold, and icy conditions.
She called it an “Arctic siege” and said the cold could be life-threatening. Snow started early in Long Island and New York City, then spread north across the state.
What New York State is doing
Hochul said the state had already declared an emergency and expanded its response:
- More than 100 National Guard members were deployed to help where needed, especially downstate.
- The state placed road restrictions to reduce crashes and keep plows moving.
- Utility crews were put on standby in case of power problems, even though widespread outages were not expected.
What residents should expect
Officials warned that the heaviest snow would hit later in the day and overnight. In New York City and Long Island, snow could mix with sleet and freezing rain, making roads and sidewalks more dangerous.
Hochul’s main message was simple: if you can stay home, stay home. She urged employers to allow remote work when possible.
Schools and travel changes
Hochul said the mayor announced that New York City schools would switch to remote learning for the next day.
Public transit was expected to continue running on a weekend schedule, but officials said plans could change depending on conditions.
Safety tips: short and practical
The governor also shared basic safety advice:
- Shovel carefully—lift with your legs and take small amounts.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, especially if using heaters.
- Keep emergency items in your car (blanket, charger, water) in case you get stuck.
- Check on elderly neighbors and limit pets’ time outside.
Then the briefing changed tone
Near the end, Hochul shifted from weather to politics. She spoke about a reported incident in Minneapolis involving federal immigration agents and the death of a man she identified as Alex Prey.
Hochul said the incident showed a pattern of dangerous federal actions. She called for leadership changes at the federal level and said states should be able to fully investigate when civilians are harmed.
Bottom line
This briefing became two stories in one:
- New York preparing for a severe winter storm, and
- a strong political message aimed at federal immigration enforcement.
For most New Yorkers, the immediate takeaway remained clear: limit travel, prepare for extreme cold, and follow official alerts.
Sources: Big New York news BigNY,com , Midtown Tribune news