Travel Advisory Issued As Snowfall Estimates Balloon to 18-24 Inches
New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Hazardous Travel Advisory for New York City beginning Sunday, February 22 through Monday, February 23 as the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts 12-20 inches of snow citywide, with a chance of higher localized totals.
“As our city prepares for levels of snow not seen since 2016, my administration is ready. We are activating every tool at our disposal to keep New Yorkers safe, informed and indoors,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “We all have a role to play in keeping our communities and neighbors safe, and so while DSNY loads salt spreaders and DOT prepares our streets for snowfall, I am encouraging every New Yorker to stay inside and avoid travel.”
Hazardous travel is forecast to begin Sunday afternoon and become dangerous overnight into Monday morning as heavy snow, low visibility, and strong winds impact the city. According to NWS, the heaviest snowfall is expected between 10 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. Monday, with rates of 1-2 inches per hour and periods of localized higher rates likely.
Strong winds gusting up to 55 mph with isolated gusts up to 60 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow with the potential for scattered power outages. Widespread minor coastal flooding is likely Sunday night, with possible moderate flooding in vulnerable areas including Jamaica Bay, Staten Island, and The Battery.
NWS has issued a Blizzard Warning beginning 1:00 p.m. Sunday through 6:00 p.m. Monday. New Yorkers are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel from Sunday afternoon through Monday. Snowfall rates of up to two inches per hour, powerful wind gusts, and whiteout conditions will make roads hazardous and, at times, dangerous. Staying off the roads is critical to allow plows, salt spreaders, and emergency vehicles to operate safely and effectively. Public transit riders should anticipate potential service disruptions and delays and monitor the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for the latest updates.
Alternate Side Parking (ASP) will be suspended Monday, February 23, and Sanitation crews will begin pretreating roadways and deploying plows and salt spreaders at full capacity.