NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani says "city is prepared" for this weekend's snow

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Friday his administration is prepared to meet the moment during this weekend's major snowstorm. 

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for New York City and the surrounding area starting Sunday at 3 a.m. 

Mamdani and other city officials held a news conference on preparations just a few minutes after Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a state of emergency for all of New York. 

Snow "will fall, and fall, and then fall some more," Mamdani said. "What is being predicted right now, whether it's a foot of snow or even a little bit more, would be one of the biggest snowfalls our city has seen in years. We haven't seen a foot of snowfall in quick succession since nearly five years ago." 

"Above all else, it's going to be a weekend where your city is prepared," Mamdani added. "Across every single level of government, we are working together to ensure that our streets are being kept clear, that New Yorkers are safeguarded and that the most vulnerable among us are being connected with shelter." 

As of 6 a.m. Friday, officials began spraying all highways, major streets and bike lanes with a water and salt solution to mitigate snow and ice accumulation.

Mamdani says city agencies are prepared

More than 2,000 sanitation workers will start 12-hour shifts on Saturday morning, and 700 salt spreaders will be deployed, Mamdani said. Some 700 million pounds of salt is ready to be spread. 

"As soon as we see two inches of snow accumulate, we're going to see 2,200 plows activate across this city. That, by the way, is likely to occur Sunday morning," Mamdani said. 

New Yorkers will be able to monitor plow status in real time citywide. 

"Internally, we have something called Bladerunner 2.0 to ensure no New Yorker is made to feel that depending on the ZIP code or neighborhood they're going to receive a different level of service," Mamdani said. 

"We prepare for this all year round," said Vincent Gragnani of the DSNY. 

The city will also have a Code Blue due to the freezing temperatures. Outreach teams will try to bring homeless New Yorkers into shelters. 

Mamdani said he'll be spending part of his Sunday out with city workers. 

"We will overcommunicate with New Yorkers," Mamdani said. "This is a time where we want to make sure that city workers have every ability they can to deliver on their job. And what makes it easier for them to do their job is the more New Yorkers that stay home." 

No NYC public school snow day Monday

Mamdani dashed hopes of a snow day for students on Monday. He said the city will announce its decision on whether schools will utilize remote learning or be in-person by Sunday at noon. 

Mamdani called a snow day "one of life's rare joys," but said as more holidays have been added to the school calendar, the city can't just take them, since it is required by state law to provide 180 days of learning for students. 

MTA says subways, buses will be running

This weekend's snow won't stop subways and buses from running in New York City, MTA chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said. 

Lieber said the agency has "detailed plans" and is confident in its ability to keep the system, and New York City, moving. 

"This ain't our first rodeo at the MTA," Lieber said. "We have handled big storms ... and we're ready to do this this weekend."

Where does all the snow go?

The Department of Sanitation issued a snow alert starting Sunday at 1 a.m. DSNY said it started brining highways, streets and bike lanes as of Friday morning, and the fleet of garbage trucks are getting plows attached and chains on their tires ahead of the storm.

DSNY urged people to stay off the roads Sunday when the snow's coming down unless absolutely necessary. The department also reminds New York City residents that it's illegal to push shoveled snow into the street or bike lanes. Property owners are required to clear sidewalks as well as snow and ice from the newly-installed collection bins. 

As for what happens to all the snow, the DSNY says it moves "massive amounts of snow into a giant tub, melting the snow immediately and sending it into the city's sewer system." 

Staying informed through the storm

New Yorkers are urged to sign up for Notify NYC, which you can do by texting "Notify NYC" to 692 692. That will enable New Yorkers to receive text messages with storm and other emergency updates. 

Mamdani said the city has issued a hazardous travel advisory for Sunday and Monday. He said people who have errands to run or shopping to do should do so Friday. 

"Once the snow begins to fall, I want to encourage New Yorkers to do something we don't often have the luxury of doing, which is take a breath and stay home. Stay indoors, stay off the roads, watch the snow come down, watch the worst possible reality TV show you can find, and take some time away from the roads," Mamdani said.

Weekend events impacted by storm

Many outdoor events and activities scheduled for Sunday have been canceled, while organizers of some big weekend conventions are grateful to be hosting shows indoors.

The Discover Boating New York Boat Show opened on Wednesday and ends on Sunday. It was originally scheduled to end at 6 p.m., but event organizers now say the show will only be open until 3 p.m. Sunday.

"We're gonna be here and keep our heads up and see what we can do," yacht broker Brian Marangi said.

Over at the New York Westin Times Square, BroadwayCon 2026 is underway. The three-day event started Friday, and organizers have not announced any changes due to the storm at this time.

The BroadwayCon website lists activities and panels scheduled through 5:45 p.m. Sunday, and the marketplace is scheduled to be open until 6 p.m.

New Yorkers stock up ahead of storm

New Yorkers are doing their part, filling up grocery stores and their shopping carts. 

"I just don't want to run out of food and be caught in a situation where I'm left with nothing," shopper Claudia Santos said.

When it comes to the must-have essentials to ride out a major storm, the experts say to keep it simple and focus on the long game. Some foods to stock up on:  non-perishables, canned meats and vegetables, and, most importantly, water – one gallon per person per day.

People are also stocking up on snow supplies.

"Everything is gone. People buy everything," said Ashaq Shihab of Forest Hills Hardware Store. 

According to the National Weather Service, some important items to have on hand are:  a first-aid kit, extra prescription medicine you take regularly, a flashlight and extra batteries.

Snowfall forecast

New Yorkers could see 6-12 inches of snow from Sunday to Monday. 

The heaviest amount of snow will be north of the city.

Snow, sleet and freezing rain will be mainly south and east of the city.  

Click here to get the latest winter weather watches, warnings and alerts.