Watch Live: NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani discusses plans for this weekend's snow

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is giving an update on the city's plan for the upcoming snowstorm. His update comes just as Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a state of emergency for all of New York. 

CBS News New York is streaming the press conference live. Click here to watch, or watch in the live player above. 

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., 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. 

"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. 

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

No snow day for NYC public school students 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. 

"In either case, learning will continue in an environment that the city deems safe," Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said. 

"I have to apologize to the students that were hoping for a different answer, for a traditional snow day. That will not be the case," Mamdani said. 

PSAL events will be canceled Sunday. 

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. 

MTA says subways, buses will be running across New York City

The MTA will be operational in New York City this weekend, MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said. 

"We have detailed plans in place for storms like this to protect the network, to protect our riders, to protect our employees. We preposition a ton of equipment and personnel," Lieber said. "I want to thank our workforce in advance." 

Lieber said there's 220 miles of subway that are outdoors. 

"We'll be focused on making sure that those continue to be operational with our snow-fighting trains, with the de-icing systems," Lieber said. "The same goes for the commuter railroads." 

Lieber said the bus network "is ready to pick up the slack as it always does in these situations." 

All buses will be outfitted with chains on their tires, and the long, articulated buses will be removed from service for safety reasons. 

"The bottom line, New Yorkers, is this ain't our first rodeo at the MTA. We have handled big storms. New Yorkers have handled big storms. And we're ready to do this this weekend," Lieber said. 

Lieber added that updates to service will be available in real time on the MTA app and MTA website. 

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.