NYCEM ISSUES WEATHER ALERT AS SNOW & EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURES RETURN THIS WEEKEND

New York City Is Under an Extreme Cold Warning for 10 a.m. Saturday, February 7 through 1 p.m. Sunday, February 8

NEW YORK — New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a weather alert from Friday, February 6, through Monday, February 10, as dangerously cold temperatures, strong winds, and light snow are expected across the city. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) temperatures will remain below freezing throughout the period.

Light snow and flurries are expected Friday night into Saturday morning, with snow accumulation likely between half an inch and one inch across the city and slightly higher amounts possible in eastern Queens and Long Island.

“New Yorkers should treat this cold snap with the seriousness it demands. These temperatures are dangerous, and even brief time outdoors can be life-threatening. City workers are on the ground 24/7—clearing streets, keeping buses and trains moving, and doing everything possible to get people out of the cold,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “We’re intensifying outreach to our most vulnerable neighbors, connecting New Yorkers experiencing homelessness with shelters, safe havens, and drop-in centers, and opening warming centers in every borough so no one is left without a heated place to go. Please stay indoors when you can, look out for one another, and call 311 if you see someone who needs help or if your heat isn’t working.”

“This has been a long stretch of dangerous cold, and we’re not out of the woods yet,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. “New Yorkers have shown incredible resilience, and NYCEM is working around the clock to protect the city by monitoring weather impacts, supporting warming centers, and conducting outreach to connect our neighbors with the resources they need. With snow and strong winds expected this weekend, we urge everyone to stay indoors and check on neighbors who may need help.”

“Throughout this cold weather emergency, DSS has acted with urgency to stand up new resources and intensify around-the-clock outreach efforts to ensure we are not only meeting vulnerable New Yorkers where they are, but offering supports that meet their needs so we can convince them to come, and remain, inside,” said DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park. “With another stretch of brutal cold expected over the weekend, we are maintaining 24 hour Enhanced Code Blue operations, preparing to activate additional warming centers, and working with our partners across government to utilize every tool at hand to keep New Yorkers safe and warm.”

"Tonight's snow will be followed by punishingly cold temperatures, but New York's Strongest are still in snow-fighting mode. We will have 700 salt spreaders and specialized bike lane spreaders operating on every 12-hour shift to address this latest batch of winter weather. We've melted more than 230 million pounds of snow since late January, and we'll do whatever it takes to keep New York moving safely," said Javier Lojan, Acting Commissioner, NYC Department of Sanitation.

NWS has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for 10 a.m. Saturday, February 7 through 1 p.m. Sunday, February 8. This Extreme Cold Weather Warning means dangerously cold wind chills are expected, with wind chill temperatures potentially reaching as low as 20 below zero (-29 celcius). Wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 5 minutes. Hypothermia, frostbite, or even death may occur if proper precautions are not taken.

An accompanying Wind Advisory is in effect Saturday, February 7 from 9 a.m. through midnight. Temperatures will drop steadily over the weekend, with Saturday highs near 20 degrees (-7 Celsius) and overnight lows around 5 degrees (-15 Celsius), producing wind chills as low as -20 degrees (-29 Celsius). Strong winds are expected Saturday, with sustained speeds of 20-30 mph (32-48 kmph) and gusts up to 50 mph (80 kmph), causing widespread blowing snow and hazardous conditions.

Sunday will remain bitterly cold, with highs in the upper teens and lows near 10 degrees (-12 Celsius). New Yorkers are urged to stay indoors when possible, take precautions against the cold, and check on neighbors who may need assistance.

With temperatures forecast to drop below freezing, the Department of Social Services (DSS) remains in an Enhanced Code Blue Weather Alert to protect vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. This alert is activated whenever the temperature or wind chill is predicted to reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius 0) or below between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., triggering enhanced outreach efforts to encourage those living on the streets to seek shelter. During Code Blue, highly trained outreach teams work tirelessly to connect unsheltered New Yorkers with critical resources, including shelters, drop-in centers, safe havens, and stabilization beds. 

NYCEM is taking steps to prepare for extreme cold by keeping the Emergency Operations Center open through at least February 9 and increasing staffing across operations, field response, and public communications. The agency is boosting on-the-ground support and closely monitoring utilities, fuel deliveries, and infrastructure conditions. NYCEM is also coordinating with city agencies to expand warming centers and warming bus operations, ensuring clear and accessible signage, and planning for possible power outages or building fires. Daily coordination calls, increased logistics support, and expanded community and media outreach are helping ensure timely information sharing and cold-weather safety messaging across the city.

NYCEM will continue to work closely with NWS, partner agencies and utility companies to monitor the weather and any potential impacts associated with the extreme cold. New Yorkers should limit time outdoors whenever possible during the coldest times of the day. Whether traveling for work, errands or recreation, please consider taking public transportation whenever possible. 

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.