New York mayor Mamdani orders citywide travel ban ahead of major snowstorm
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 22, 2026
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New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a citywide travel ban Sunday ahead of an impending major snowstorm expected to hit the northeast United States. The ban, set to take effect from 9pm Sunday until noon Monday, will shut down all roads, highways, and bridges in New York City, restricting access to non-essential travelers. Essential workers and individuals with urgent needs will still be permitted to travel. This move follows a decade without such severe weather events in the city, which is home to over eight million residents.
The storm is forecasted to bring heavy snowfall—up to one foot or more—and strong winds, making travel nearly impossible across major cities along the densely populated Interstate 95 corridor, including Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington. Meteorologists have issued blizzard warnings for New York and parts of at least six states. Snowfall rates could reach over one inch per hour in some areas, leading to significant power outages and potential disruptions.
This storm comes just weeks after the region recovered from another devastating weather system in late January, which caused over 100 deaths nationwide due to extreme snowfall and ice storms. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has also declared a state of emergency beginning midday Sunday, freeing up resources to address the impending crisis.
The severity of this storm highlights the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather events in the northeast United States. As cities like New York brace for impact, the travel ban underscores the importance of preparedness and prioritizing public safety during such crises. This event serves as a reminder of how severe winter storms can disrupt daily life on a massive scale, affecting millions and requiring coordinated emergency responses across multiple states.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/22/2026