Mamdani announces state of emergency, travel ban for NYC
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a state of emergency for the city and a travel ban beginning at 9 p.m. tonight, and ending at 12 p.m. Monday.
"The state of emergency closes the streets, highways, and bridges of New York City for all traffic, cars, trucks, scooters, and shuts down traffic with some specific exemptions for essential and emergency movement," the mayor said.
Staten Island and New York City ferries will discontinue service starting at 5 p.m. this evening and restart late Monday morning, Mamdani said.
Schools will be closed on Monday - this will be the city's first "old school" snow day since 2019, the mayor said.
The mayor also warned of moderate coastal flooding in the city. "Please stay alert and make sure to move cars ahead of high tide to higher ground," he said.
"Code Blue is in effect, with outreach workers canvassing all five boroughs, 24/7, and helping homeless New Yorkers come inside. Just last night, these outreach workers made 86 placements, bringing homeless New Yorkers inside to safety. Every New Yorker seeking warmth and shelter will be able to find it in our city," Mamdani said.
All 311 calls related to weather-vulnerable homeless New Yorkers will be rerouted to 911, the mayor said. Outreach workers will canvas across the five boroughs to bring homeless New Yorkers into homeless shelters as well.
