01/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/30/2026 16:54
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NYCEM ISSUES WEATHER ALERT FOR SUNDAY, FEB. 1 |
January 30, 2026 - New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Weather Alert for Sunday, February 1. In coordination with the National Weather Service (NWS), NYCEM is monitoring a coastal low-pressure system expected to bring cold temperatures, breezy winds and a very small potential of light snow to the city, which may lead to slick road conditions and potential travel disruptions over the weekend.
"New Yorkers should take this cold weather seriously. Temperatures are dangerously low, with icy conditions as a result, and even short trips can be dangerous. If you can, stay indoors, keep warm, and limit time outside. If you need to travel, use public transportation and give yourself extra time. City agencies are working around the clock to clear streets, improve road conditions, and get New Yorkers indoors and out of the cold as we continue recovering from last weekend's heavy snowfall. As we face what could be the harshest stretch of cold weather in New York City history, we all must do our part and stay prepared," said New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani.
"As cleanup from last weekend's storm continues, even light additional snowfall and extreme cold can create challenges," said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. "We encourage New Yorkers to stay alert, look out for their neighbors, and travel carefully."
The city may see some snow accumulation beginning overnight Saturday and tapering off by late Sunday evening, though the chances for this remain small. The forecast calls for the most likely snow accumulation to be east of the city. This system follows a major snowstorm last weekend that dropped over a foot of snow in some parts of the city. With snow cleanup still underway, any additional snowfall - even light amounts - could reduce roadway capacity, slow travel, and create slippery conditions, particularly during the Sunday morning hours.
In addition to snow, very cold and dangerous temperatures will persist through the weekend, with wind chills as low as -5°F.
NYCEM urges New Yorkers to stay informed, limit time outdoors during extreme cold, use caution if traveling, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Warming Centers
As dangerously cold temperatures move through New York, the city has opened warming centers in all five boroughs to provide safe, heated indoor spaces for New Yorkers in need. The most up-to-date information on warming center locations and times can be found at on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters or by calling 311.
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.
-Do not leave space heater or electric blankets unattended.
-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
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