New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani orders citywide shutdown as snowstorm hits
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
New York City has declared a state of emergency as a severe snowstorm blankets the Northeast U.S., causing widespread disruptions. Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered a citywide traffic network shutdown, restricting travel to emergencies only. The storm brought heavy snowfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour and totals reaching 12 to 24 inches in some areas, creating "nearly impossible travel conditions," according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Strong winds of up to 60 mph combined with heavy, wet snow also raised concerns about power outages, with at least 22,895 customers already without electricity in New Jersey.
The storm’s impact extended across multiple states, including Boston, Massachusetts, and coastal communities in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and Rhode Island. In New York City, the shutdown began at 9 p.m. on Sunday, closing streets, highways, and bridges until noon Monday. Mamdani emphasized that this is the city’s largest storm in a decade, urging residents to avoid nonessential travel while essential workers and emergency travelers were exempt from the ban.
The severe weather has left many New Yorkers struggling to balance work obligations with limited transportation options. Brandon Smith, a Brooklyn resident, expressed frustration over open workplaces despite road closures, highlighting the challenge of commuting during such extreme conditions. Meteorologists warned that this storm could be historic, with potential long-term impacts on infrastructure and daily life in the region.
For readers interested in global news, this story underscores the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, particularly winter storms, and their significant disruption to urban centers. The shutdown serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by severe weather conditions and the importance of preparedness for such emergencies.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026