A significant winter storm is expected to hit New York City this weekend, bringing snow, ice and dangerous travel conditions.
Arctic air is expected to move in late Friday, with temperatures in the teens by midnight and wind chills below zero Saturday morning.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the tristate area late Saturday night through Monday afternoon, with 6 to 8 inches of snow and ice possible for most of the five boroughs. Some areas could see up to 10 inches.
The heaviest snow is likely Sunday afternoon, with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
At a press conference Thursday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said city workers would begin preparing streets, highways and bike lanes Friday. Around 2,000 Department of Sanitation employees will work 12-hour shifts starting Saturday morning, with hundreds of salt spreaders deployed once the snow begins.
“While we cannot control how much snow will actually fall this weekend, we can control how we prepare for and respond to this storm,” he said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday declared a state of emergency statewide, warning New Yorkers to prepare for “dangerous cold.”
The city has 700 million pounds of salt stored at 42 sites, enough for multiple passes, and officials say there are no supply issues.
Winter storm watch issued for entire forecast region for late Saturday night through Monday afternoon for heavy snow potential of 6 to 12 inches with some snow accumulations over 12 inches possible. See more here in this text product, https://t.co/iDiDwXWmTX. #NYwx #NJwx #CTwx pic.twitter.com/KgNCuZBFlw
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) January 22, 2026
A Code Blue, triggered when temperatures drop below 32 degrees overnight, will be in effect, with outreach teams helping vulnerable New Yorkers find shelter.
During an appearance on “Mornings On 1” Friday, Mamdani said he had ruled out the possibility of a “traditional” snow day for public school students on Monday.
Instead, he said the city will decide whether classes will be held remotely or in person, with a final determination expected by noon on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the mayor is urging New Yorkers to sign up for NotifyNYC alerts and stock up on groceries and winter essentials before the storm hits.
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