NYC Emergency Management Issues Travel Advisory, Warns of Weekend Snow and Potential Travel Impacts

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NYCEM ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY, WARNS OF WEEKEND SNOW AND POTENTIAL TRAVEL IMPACTS

Winter Weather Advisory in effect for Sunday

January 17, 2026 - New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Travel Advisory for Sunday, January 18. In coordination with the National Weather Service (NWS), NYCEM is tracking a fast-moving system expected to bring the year's first accumulating snow to the city. NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for New York City in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Today, some parts of the city could see between 1 to 2 inches of snow. Snow is expected to move out by mid to late afternoon. Relatively warm temperatures will limit accumulation on roads and other warm surfaces, with snow mainly sticking to grass and shaded areas.

On Sunday, snow is expected to begin as early as 5 a.m. and will continue through the day, tapering off by the evening. The heaviest accumulation is expected to occur between 8 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Current forecasts call for 1 to 3 inches across the city, with a low chance of 2 to 4 inches in eastern Queens and southeast Brooklyn. Snow accumulation on Sunday is expected to stick as temperatures continue to drop. These conditions may cause significant travel disruptions.

A Code Blue is in effect. Outreach teams will canvass all five boroughs to connect our most vulnerable New Yorkers to shelters. No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. New Yorkers who see individuals they believe to be experiencing homelessness and in need should contact 311 via phone or mobile app and request outreach assistance.

"As the first accumulating snow of the year falls, New York City is ready. Sanitation workers are already out across all five boroughs, coordinated across agencies and showing up in tough conditions to keep everyone safe. I'm deeply grateful to the public servants putting in long, cold hours-please plan ahead, avoid unnecessary travel, and check in on neighbors who may need help," said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

"As the long holiday weekend continues, New Yorkers commuting or traveling this week should exercise caution, be aware and prepared for potential travel delays, and other impacts due to the incoming snow," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. "We're closely coordinating with city agencies and utilities to mitigate any disruptions, and to respond swiftly to any incidents. I want to send a special thank you to all the city employees working diligently over the long weekend to keep everyone safe. If you can, plan ahead, don't travel if you don't have to, and check on neighbors who may need help and support. Also, keep abreast with the latest information on this storm and future emergencies by texting NotifyNYC to 692-692 for real-time updates."

Have a Plan

Before Winter Weather

-Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. NYC law requires them.

-Wear warm layered clothing, hats, and sturdy boots.

-Check your snow equipment. Keep rock salt and shovels.

-Winterize your car. Prepare a kit with blankets, food, water, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, reflectors, and first aid kit.

-Register with your utility provider if you rely on life-sustaining medical equipment. Keep backup power ready.

-Keep essential supplies at home so you can stay safely indoors during and after a storm.

-Know how to get help with heat through the Home Energy Assistance Program. Call 311.

During Winter Weather

-Stay indoors if possible.

-Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.

-Watch for frostbite (numbness, pale or waxy skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, drowsiness). Call 911 if you see symptoms.

-Use heating equipment safely. Never use stoves, ovens, kerosene heaters, or grills to heat your home.

-Run generators only outdoors and away from windows.

-Report heat or hot water outages to your landlord, then call 311 if not resolved. NYC law requires minimum indoor temperatures from October 1 through May 31:

-Daytime (6 a.m. - 10 p.m.): At least 68°F inside when it's below 55°F outside

-Nighttime (10 PM - 6 AM): At least 62°F inside, regardless of outside temperature

-Hot water: At least 120°F year-round

-Take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.

-Ask neighbors or community groups for snow removal help if needed.

After Winter Weather

-Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those with access needs.

-Clear snow safely. Shovel slowly. Take breaks. Keep hydrants clear

-Prevent carbon monoxide risks by clearing car tailpipes and using detectors.

Stay Informed

-Sign up for Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app, or call 311. Alerts are available in multiple languages, including a dedicated group for basement apartment residents.

-Keep a battery-powered radio available if power is lost.

-Stay away from downed power lines. Treat them as live and call 911 if they are causing a life-threatening situation.

-To report downed trees in NYC, call 311. For life-threatening emergencies involving a tree, such as one blocking a road or near power lines, call 911 immediately.

-For the latest updates, visit NYCEM's website, sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or call 311.

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MEDIA CONTACT: NYCEM Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications), @nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)

Facebook: /NYCemergencymanagement