New York City gearing up for largest snowfall potentially since 2021 this weekend

New York City is gearing up for a significant snowstorm this weekend. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect. 

If, as some forecasts project, the city gets more than a foot of snow, it will be the first time the city has seen that much since February of 2021.

State and local officials aren't taking any chances as the storm looms, urging New Yorkers to be prepared for the worst case scenario. They're concerned not only about what could be a historic snow event, but also what's expected after the snow stops -- freezing temperatures.   

New York City Emergency Management is advising New Yorkers to make contingency plans, especially for young children, the elderly, people with disabilities or other health issues and, of course, our pets. 

"A lot of the big concerns that we look at are utility companies, infrastructure, transportation -- sanitation department does a lot of the heavy lifting with clearing the roadways -- making sure that we have life-safety crews from FDNY and NYPD, tow trucks staged around the city to deal with any issues, making sure that we're taking care of East River bridges," NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said. "And then there's also a lot that we do to make sure we're taking care of our most vulnerable New Yorkers." 

Mamdani on snow preps

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Thursday his city agencies are expecting winter weather to begin late Saturday or early Sunday, possibly lasting into Monday. 

"While we cannot control how much snow will actually fall this weekend, we can control how we prepare for and respond to this storm. And so that is why tomorrow we are going to begin citywide pre-snow treatment. What that means is that we will brine all highways, major streets and bike lanes to mitigate snow and ice accumulation. And we are also going to accelerate cleanup once the storm has passed," Mamdani said   

The mayor said Department of Sanitation workers will start 12-hour shifts as of Saturday morning. When the snow starts to come down, 700 salt spreaders will hit the streets. 

"As we speak, our sanitation fleet is being transformed into a snow-clearing fleet. DSNY is very good at what they do, and they are very well-practiced at this work," Mamdani said. "We are going to to be able to hit every single part of our city with multiple passes." 

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"If you're interested in buying some groceries or getting a new winter coat today, I would recommend today is the day to do so," Mamdani said. "Do not leave it until the weekend. I ask that everyone not only stay warm, but stay prepared because we want everyone to stay safe." 

The city will also have a Code Blue in effect due to the plunging temperatures. Outreach teams will attempt to bring homeless New Yorkers into shelters.

Remote learning likely on Monday

For public school students and parents who may have been hoping for a snow day on Monday, Mamdani said the city is working to keep schools open. However, in the event that they are closed, the city will likely go with remote learning, officials said.

"Once we make a final decision as to what it will look like on Monday, we will communicate that clearly and directly to families," Mamdani said.

The hope is that administrators worked out all the kinks from the last time the school system went remote, which resulted in a systemwide crash.

"I think we've done several tests of the system since then. But also most importantly when we think about doing this, the idea of staggering the start time is really important," city Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said.

Hochul warns "extreme cold can be deadly"

Gov. Kathy Hochul emphasized the extreme cold temperatures that will be at play during the storm.   

"All across the state, New Yorkers are at risk for an extreme weather event, the likes of which we have not seen in many years," Hochul said. "The extreme cold can be deadly. This is one you need to take very seriously." 

Hochul urged New Yorkers to limit their time outside. Those who have to be outside should stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine, and wear multiple layers of clothing, she said. 

Hochul urged New Yorkers to limit unnecessary travel Sunday due to the storm. 

"Don't crowd the plows. Give them the distance they need to do what they need to do," Hochul said.