New York City Shuts Down ahead of Historic Blizzard

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New York: Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor has declared a state of emergency and ordered a city-wide shutdown of non-essential travel as a powerful snowstorm hit the region, threatening historic snowfall and dangerous blizzard conditions. The travel ban was set to begin Sunday at 9 p.m. and continue until noon Monday, with streets, highways and bridges closed to nearly all traffic.

The National Weather Service said the storm part of a larger system affecting the Northeast could drop as much as 1 to 2 feet of snow on New York City, with snowfall rates of 2 – 3 inches per hour, severe winds and potential coastal flooding. Blizzard warnings are in place across the region, and conditions are expected to make travel extremely hazardous.

In response, public schools across the city were announced as closed for a full snow day on Monday, with no in-person classes or remote instruction planned. City agencies have mobilised extensive snow-clearing operations, with thousands of sanitation workers, plows and emergency shovelers deployed across the five boroughs.

Essential emergency and public service vehicles including ambulances, public transit, and snow-clearing equipment are exempt from the shutdown, but residents are strongly urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Mayor Mamdani said the move was necessary to protect lives, maintain safe corridors for responders and minimise strain on emergency services.

The storm has already disrupted travel and infrastructure: airlines cancelled thousands of flights across major airports in the region, and power outages are possible as heavy, wet snow and strong gusts take hold through Sunday night.

As New Yorkers brace for what meteorologists call a “blockbuster blizzard,” local officials have activated warming centres, expanded shelter services and urged vulnerable residents especially those without heat or safe housing to take precautions. The shutdown aims to reduce risk and provide time for snow removal before conditions ease later Monday.