New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a city-wide travel ban in anticipation of a significant winter storm expected to impact the region on Sunday. A press conference revealed that a state of emergency will be in effect, with all city streets, highways, and bridges closing to non-emergency vehicles starting at 9 p.m. Sunday and remaining closed until noon Monday. The restrictions apply to all types of vehicles, including cars and e-bikes, with exemptions only for emergency services and essential workers.
The winter storm, driven by a powerful bomb cyclone, is forecast to deliver up to 2 feet of snow across the Northeast, including major cities such as New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia, which could see snowfall amounts between 18 and 24 inches. Wind gusts are predicted to reach 70 mph, raising concerns over potential power outages. As of Sunday afternoon, over 7,000 flights in the Northeast had been canceled.
In response to the impending storm, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also declared a state of emergency for the city. The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is actively recruiting temporary snow shovelers to assist with snow removal in public areas, offering competitive pay rates that start at $19.14 per hour. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, capable of heavy physical labor, and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
Blizzard warnings have been issued for approximately 29 million residents across the Northeast, signaling widespread disruption due to the storm's severity. Local authorities are mobilizing resources in preparation for the expected conditions.