NEW YORK CITY, February 21, 2026 — With a major nor’easter upgraded to a full blizzard warning, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani took to social media Saturday night to reassure New Yorkers that the city is fully mobilized and prepared for what could be its heaviest snow event since 2016.
In a video posted to X (formerly Twitter) from the @NYCMayor account, the mayor declared: “The snow is back. But New York is ready. Here’s everything you should know about tomorrow’s blizzard.”
Forecast details
National Weather Service and NYC Emergency Management officials are calling for:
• 13–17 inches of snow citywide, with isolated totals possibly reaching 20 inches or more
• Heavy snowfall rates of 1–3 inches per hour at peak
• Sustained winds of 25–35 mph with gusts up to 55–60 mph
• Near-whiteout conditions and extremely hazardous travel, especially Monday morning commute
The Blizzard Warning is in effect from 6:00 a.m. Sunday, February 23 through 6:00 p.m. Monday, February 24.
City preparations
Speaking earlier from the Spring Street salt shed, Mayor Mamdani outlined an aggressive response plan that incorporates lessons learned from last month’s storm:
• 2,600 Sanitation Department workers on duty
• 700 salt spreaders and plows pre-positioned
• Mechanical snow-clearing teams deployed earlier than last storm
• Prioritized clearing of bus stops, pedestrian ramps, fire hydrants and crosswalks
• Expanded homeless outreach with Code Blue activated and safety teams on 12-hour shifts
“Stay inside and stay off the roads for your safety,” the mayor urged. “If you can stay home Monday, please do.”
How to stay informed
The mayor strongly encouraged all New Yorkers to sign up for real-time alerts:
Text NotifyNYC to 692-692
Additional updates will be posted at nyc.gov/emergency and on official city social channels.
Advice for residents
• Check on neighbors, especially seniors and those with mobility issues
• Stock up on essentials now
• Prepare for possible power outages and school closures (decision expected Sunday)
• Avoid unnecessary travel Sunday night through Monday morning
This is the first blizzard warning issued for New York City in nine years. City Hall says every available resource is being brought to bear to keep streets passable and residents safe.
Stay warm, stay safe, New York.
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