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

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December 12, 2025

NYCEM ISSUES WEATHER ALERT, WARNS OF WEEKEND SNOW AND POTENTIAL TRAVEL IMPACTS

New York - New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Weather Alert for Saturday, December 13 through Sunday, December 14. In coordination with the National Weather Service (NWS), NYCEM is tracking a fast-moving coastal storm expected to bring the season's first accumulating snow to the city. The system is projected to develop just south of New York late Saturday before moving offshore Sunday afternoon, with temperatures cold enough for all precipitation to fall as snow.

"The winter season is in full swing, including all the winter weather that comes with it," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "All New York City agencies are prepared for this system, and we continue to monitor conditions closely. New Yorkers should all prepare too - avoid driving and give yourself extra travel time with public transit if you do need to travel, stay alert to changing conditions, and sign up for Notify NYC for real-time information updates."

"While we are not expecting a major storm, we're expecting snow will stick to roads and sidewalks," said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. "That first accumulating snowfall can catch people off guard and quickly create slippery conditions. We urge everyone to use caution when traveling, check on neighbors who may need assistance, and stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC."

"New York's Strongest will be pre-treating roadways with brine across the City starting this evening which prevents snow and ice from bonding to roadways. We also have more than 700 Salt Spreaders loaded and ready to go at the first flake. Whatever comes our way this weekend or this winter, DSNY is ready. Please do your part by staying off the roads and by clearing sidewalks of snow and ice," said Javier Lojan, Acting Commissioner, New York City Sanitation.

The NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 10 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday. According to the latest forecast, snow may begin as early as 10 p.m. Saturday, with steadier snowfall developing around midnight. The majority of accumulation is expected between 4:00 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday, with snow tapering off by approximately 2:00 p.m. as the system exits the region. Snowfall totals of 2 to 2.5 inches are expected citywide, with localized amounts up to 3 to 3.5 inches possible, particularly across Staten Island, southern Brooklyn, and southeastern Queens. Snowfall rates are expected to remain light, generally under one-half inch per hour.

While no flooding or severe storm threats are anticipated, slick and snow-covered roads may disrupt the Sunday morning commute, and New Yorkers are urged to exercise caution when traveling and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

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