New York City ordered citywide shutdown due to severe snowstorm

New York City Declares State of Emergency Due to Severe Snowstorm

A severe snowstorm has brought heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding to the northeast United States, prompting New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani to declare a state of emergency. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that the storm would affect areas from the mid-Atlantic coast to Maine through Monday.

The NWS predicted snowfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour and totals as high as 12 to 24 inches, resulting in “nearly impossible travel conditions.” Gusts of up to 60mph were also expected. Power outages are anticipated due to strong winds combined with the weight of heavy, wet snow.

As of Sunday evening, at least 22,895 customers were without power in New Jersey, according to a tracking website. Blizzard warnings have been issued for several states, including New York, Massachusetts, and coastal communities in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and Rhode Island.

Emergency declarations were made in advance of the storm, with officials mobilizing readiness efforts. The NWS’s Weather Prediction Center described the storm as “a major winter storm and a major impact for this part of the country.” In New York City, streets, highways, and bridges will be shut down from 9pm on Sunday until noon on Monday.

The ban on nonessential travel does not apply to essential workers or those who need to travel due to emergencies. However, some residents expressed frustration that workplaces remained open despite the road closures. The city’s population of over eight million is expected to face significant disruptions due to the storm.

Source: Al Jazeera