NEW YORK January 25, 2026 – New York City remains in the grip of Winter Storm Fern, a massive weather system that has blanketed the Northeast with heavy snow, ice, and dangerously low temperatures. As single-digit lows persist across the region, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani took to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday evening to urge residents to help those vulnerable to the cold, emphasizing the storm’s lethal potential.
In a video message posted from a snowy outdoor location, the mayor addressed the ongoing crisis, noting that temperatures plummeted to 10-15 degrees below zero with wind chills on Saturday morning. “We sadly lost some souls,” Mamdani said, reporting that at least five New Yorkers have died amid the frigid conditions, though autopsies are pending to confirm causes. These fatalities bring the storm’s nationwide death toll to seven, as heavy snow and ice have battered the eastern U.S., leaving over one million without power and causing widespread disruptions.
Central Park has recorded 7.2 inches of snow so far, with more accumulation expected. The storm, which began its rampage across the U.S. on Saturday, has grounded thousands of flights—over 10,000 cancellations nationwide, including major impacts at New York-area airports—and prompted emergency declarations in multiple states. In the South, rare “thunder sleet” has added to the chaos, while the Northeast faces a triple threat of snow, ice, and severe winds.
Highlighting the human toll, Mamdani stressed the hazards for the homeless population. “On an annual basis, New Yorkers succumb to the cold—we don’t want that to be the case,” he said. To combat this, the city has opened 10 warming centers—two in each borough—and is bypassing typical intake procedures to quickly shelter those in need. City workers are canvassing homeless individuals every two hours to connect them with services.
The mayor’s call to action was clear: “If you’re watching this and you see a homeless person outside, call 311—that will be rerouted to 911, and we’ll get there because no New Yorker should be out there in the cold.” This message echoes earlier posts from the mayor’s office, which advised residents to stay off roads during peak snowfall periods.
Residents have largely praised Mamdani’s response, with many on X contrasting it favorably to previous administrations. One user commented, “Thank you for being 10000x better of a Mayor than Adams was,” referring to former Mayor Eric Adams. Others humorously noted the mayor’s bare head in the video, advising him to “wear earmuffs” or a hat amid the flurries. As the storm continues, officials warn of treacherous travel conditions, with ice creating unsafe driving and walking hazards. New Yorkers are encouraged to check on neighbors, limit outdoor time, and report anyone in distress. For the latest updates, visit the city’s emergency management website or follow official channels.
Stay safe, New York—Winter Storm Fern may not be done yet.
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