New York City has declared a citywide travel ban ahead of an intense late-winter blizzard, with all non-essential travel banned from 9 p.m. Sunday through noon Monday and the city placed under a local state of emergency by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. In response to the storm and risks to public safety, NYC public schools will be closed Monday for a traditional snow day.
Here’s everything you need to know right now about the travel ban, snow forecasts, emergency orders, school closures, and what New Yorkers should expect as the storm hits. (This article is updated with the very latest verified information from NY city government sources and multiple trusted news wire services.)
What the Travel Ban Means
What’s Closed
Mayor Mamdani’s order closes streets, highways, bridges, and tunnels to all non-essential vehicles from 9 p.m. Sunday until 12 p.m. Monday.
This isn’t a suggestion — it’s an official restriction aimed at:
- Keeping roads clear for snow plows and emergency vehicles
- Reducing risk of accidents in whiteout and blizzard conditions
- Ensuring first responders can reach emergencies unimpeded
Who can still travel? Emergency vehicles, public transit, deliveries of food and medical supplies, utility vehicles performing critical repairs, and transportation for essential workers are all permitted.
Why the Ban Was Declared — Blizzard Conditions
Severe Winter Storm Underway
A powerful late-season nor’easter has rapidly intensified, transforming into a significant bomb cyclone — a meteorological term for a storm with rapidly falling pressure and explosive strength akin to a mid-latitude hurricane.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued blizzard warnings throughout New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area, with:
- Snow accumulations forecast well over a foot — up to 18–28 inches in spots (including NYC and nearby suburbs).
- Wind gusts potentially exceeding 50–70 mph, creating near-whiteout conditions.
When snow combines with wind at these levels, visibility plummets, roads become treacherous within minutes, and travel tragic — even professional plow crews struggle in these conditions.
Snow Totals & Forecast (Official)
Local forecasts available as of Sunday show:
- NYC snow totals expected to fall into the 18–24+ inch range, particularly across the boroughs and into Long Island.
- Blizzard conditions expected to persist Sunday night into Monday afternoon.
The variations in projected totals reflect the storm’s dynamic nature — a few miles can mean the difference between “very heavy snow” and “historic.”
Are NYC Schools Closed Monday? (Confirmed)
Yes — New York City public schools will be closed Monday as a full snow day with no remote learning.
This is a departure from recent practice: earlier in the winter, the city used remote learning during snow days. But because this storm poses significant safety risks, the mayor’s office secured a waiver from the state education department to permit a traditional closure without remote instruction.
Parents, guardians, and students have been urged to stay home and check in on one another.
How the City Is Responding
State of Emergency Declared
The state of emergency gives the city authority to:
- Mobilize extra sanitation and emergency personnel
- Cut red tape for resource deployment
- Coordinate with state and federal partners
- Suspend alternate side parking rules temporarily
Mayor Mamdani has emphasized the safety priorities repeatedly in official statements.
Snow Clearing & Emergency Operations
NYC Emergency Management and the Department of Sanitation are operating under an activated winter weather plan:
- 700+ salt spreaders and thousands of plow routes prepared
- 2,600+ sanitation workers scheduled in extended shifts
- Over 1,000 emergency shovelers helping clear sidewalks and critical walkways
What the Travel Ban Means for Commuters & Residents
Travel Restrictions
From 9 p.m. Sunday until noon Monday, all private vehicles must stay off roads — that includes cars, trucks, scooters, e-bikes, and more.
Violating the travel ban isn’t just dangerous — it’s a Class B misdemeanor under local emergency orders, punishable under New York City law.
Public Transit
- Subway service will continue, though delays and adjustments are possible.
- Staten Island Ferry service will pause as conditions worsen.
Travelers should check MTA updates and avoid unnecessary movement.
Impact on Flights & Regional Transportation
The storm’s impact isn’t limited to roads:
- Thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed at NYC airports including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty.
- Amtrak and regional rail systems are adjusting operations due to snow and wind.
Even if the travel ban lifts midday Monday, aerial and rail travel may remain disrupted through later Monday.
Safety Tips for New Yorkers Right Now
Taking cues from emergency management advisories:
Stay Home, Stay Warm
- Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
- Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable residents.
- Only clear sidewalks when conditions allow safe footing.
Prepare for Power Issues
- Heavy snow + high winds often cause outages.
- Have flashlights, blankets, and charging options ready.
Communicate & Monitor
- Use NYC Notify alerts and official portals for real-time updates.
- Don’t rely on social media rumors alone.
In a dense city like New York, safety margins shrink quickly once weather turns severe — cautious residents will benefit most from preparation and patience.
Conclusion
New York City is in the grip of a significant blizzard — one serious enough that Mayor Zohran Mamdani has declared a local state of emergency and imposed a travel ban to keep residents safe. With schools closed for a traditional snow day and blizzard warnings extending across the region, the focus is squarely on caution and community care.
From my experience covering urban weather crises, the combination of high snowfall, strong winds, and travel restrictions means one thing: the safest place for most New Yorkers is right where you are — indoors, prepared, and informed.
Stay safe, stay informed, and check official updates throughout the storm.
