NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Declares State of Emergency, Imposes Travel Ban as Blizzard Approaches

NEW YORK, NY — In a decisive move to safeguard residents and maintain public safety, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a state of emergency Sunday afternoon ahead of a powerful blizzard forecasted to blanket the city with up to two feet of snow. The mayor announced a comprehensive travel ban effective from 9 p.m. Sunday through noon Monday, halting all non-emergency vehicular movement on city streets, highways, and bridges.

During a press conference, Mamdani emphasized the severity of the storm, which meteorologists have identified as a bomb cyclone expected to impact the entire I-95 corridor. The travel ban encompasses all vehicles, including cars, trucks, scooters, and e-bikes, with exemptions strictly limited to essential emergency services and critical workers. This measure aims to reduce accidents, facilitate snow removal, and ensure emergency responders can operate unimpeded.

The announcement follows warnings issued by the National Weather Service New York Office, which has placed millions across the Northeast under blizzard warnings. The storm is predicted to bring sustained winds up to 60 mph combined with heavy snowfall, creating dangerous travel conditions and significant disruptions.

Mayor Mamdani urged residents to stay indoors and prepare for potential power outages and transportation delays. He also highlighted the city’s readiness to deploy snowplows and emergency crews to clear roads and assist vulnerable populations. The New York City Emergency Management department has activated its emergency operations center to coordinate response efforts throughout the storm.

Public transportation services are expected to be affected, with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority advising commuters to check for updates and plan accordingly. The city has also coordinated with the Department of Transportation to implement the travel restrictions and manage traffic flow.

This winter storm arrives amid a season marked by extreme weather events, underscoring concerns about climate change’s impact on urban centers. Residents are encouraged to heed official advisories, stock up on essentials, and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve. The city will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.

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Priya Desai

Priya Desai covers technology, platforms and data privacy, with a focus on how AI, social media and digital policy are reshaping work, speech and daily life.

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