Mayor Zohran Mamdani outlines NYC’s winter storm preparations as up to 18 inches of snow is forecast this weekend. DSNY mobilizes citywide response
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani holds a press conference on the City's winter weather preparations at the Spring Street Salt Shed in Manhattan on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
By Staff Reporter
Manhattan Voice
January 24, 2026
NEW YORK, NY — With a major winter storm expected to hit New York City this weekend, Mayor Zohran Mamdani says the City is fully prepared for what could be one of the season’s most significant snowfall events. Forecast models predict at least a foot of snow, with some estimates reaching 16 to 18 inches, prompting a full-scale, multi-agency winter weather response.
Following an early briefing at New York City Emergency Management with senior city officials and state partners, Mayor Mamdani emphasized that the City has taken proactive steps to keep streets passable, neighborhoods covered, and New Yorkers informed.
“We have left no stone unturned,” the Mayor said during a press conference after the briefing. “Every agency is ready, every neighborhood is accounted for, and we are prepared for any outcome.”
NYC Snowstorm Preparation: What the City Is Doing Right Now
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) began storm preparations early Friday morning. At 6 a.m., crews started brining highways and major roadways, a critical step to prevent ice accumulation and speed up snow removal once snowfall begins.
By Saturday, the City’s everyday sanitation fleet will be transformed into what officials describe as the largest snow-fighting operation in the nation.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Thousands of DSNY trucks outfitted with plows and chains
- 2,000 sanitation workers scheduled for 12-hour shifts starting Saturday evening
- 700 salt spreaders ready for citywide deployment
- Salting operations beginning with the first snowflake
- Full plowing operations once 2 inches of snow accumulates
The City is also using DSNY’s BladeRunner 2.0 tracking system, which allows officials to monitor plowing and salting in real time. The goal, Mayor Mamdani said, is to ensure fair and consistent service across all five boroughs, regardless of neighborhood.
Interagency Winter Storm Response Across NYC
While DSNY is leading snow operations, the response extends well beyond sanitation crews. Multiple City agencies are stepping in to provide support, including the Parks Department, which will assist with plowing efforts.
“This is a whole-of-government response,” the Mayor said. “Public sector workers across departments are stepping up, just as they always do.”
Mayor Mamdani Urges New Yorkers to Prepare and Stay Home
In a series of TV and radio appearances, Mayor Mamdani shared practical advice for New Yorkers ahead of the storm.
On Hot 97 with Kid Mero, he offered a mix of humor and clear guidance: “If you need anything for this weekend, go out and get it today. Do not wait until Sunday. As much as you can, stay home on Sunday. It’s the perfect time to watch terrible reality TV with your family and friends.”
He also reassured residents that the City has ample resources, noting that NYC has hundreds of millions of pounds of salt on hand and has activated every relevant agency.
Avoid Travel and Sign Up for Notify NYC
Across multiple interviews — including NY1, The Weather Channel, and 1010 WINS — the Mayor consistently urged New Yorkers to avoid unnecessary travel, especially on Sunday, when conditions are expected to be at their worst.
He also encouraged residents to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s official emergency alert system that provides real-time updates about weather conditions, transit changes, and safety advisories.
“Millions of New Yorkers are already signed up,” Mamdani said on The Weather Channel. “It’s one of the best ways to stay informed as the storm unfolds.”
What New Yorkers Should Expect This Weekend
As the snowstorm approaches, City officials say New Yorkers can expect:
- Continuous plowing and salting throughout the storm
- Citywide coverage across all neighborhoods
- Real-time monitoring of snow operations
- Ongoing public updates through Notify NYC and media briefings
The Mayor’s message heading into the weekend is simple: prepare early, stay informed, and stay home if you can.
“We’re asking New Yorkers to do their part,” Mamdani said. “If we work together, this is a weekend where people can stay safe and let the City do what it’s prepared to do.”
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