New York City Shuts Down as Blizzard Threatens Northeast US
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered a complete shutdown of the city’s traffic network Sunday evening, halting all but emergency travel ahead of a major snowstorm poised to impact the northeastern United States. The ban, effective from 9 p.m. Sunday to noon Monday, closes streets, highways, and bridges to cars, trucks, scooters, and e-bikes.
Mamdani emphasized the measure was necessary to protect residents as the region braces for its first blizzard since 2016. “We are asking New Yorkers to avoid all non-essential travel,” he told reporters. “New York City has not faced a storm of this scale in the last decade.”
The decision comes as meteorologists issue blizzard warnings for New York and parts of at least six states. Forecasts predict heavy snow and gale-force winds will impact major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of snowfall rates exceeding one inch per hour in some areas, potentially leading to significant accumulations and near-impossible travel conditions. Power outages are also anticipated.
The impending storm arrives less than a month after a devastating weather system swept across the eastern half of the country in late January, contributing to over 100 deaths nationwide. That earlier storm brought heavy snow and freezing rain, causing widespread disruption.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has also declared a state of emergency, effective midday Sunday, to facilitate the rapid deployment of resources.
Mayor Mamdani’s office stated that 22 warming buses will be deployed throughout the city to provide shelter during the storm. New Yorkers can find information on warming spaces and centers by contacting 311.
(France 24 with AFP)