NYC Declares Travel Ban as Historic Blizzard Targets City With Up to 2 Ft of Snow

New York City has imposed a full travel ban as a historic blizzard bears down on the region, with Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani declaring a local state of emergency ahead of a powerful nor’easter expected to produce widespread disruptions. The order blocks non-essential vehicles from city streets from 9 p.m. Sunday through noon Monday as snow, wind and dangerous conditions roll in.

Blizzard warnings are now in effect for all five boroughs, Long Island, New Jersey and surrounding counties as the storm system rapidly intensifies and taps Gulf and coastal moisture. Meteorologists forecast between 12 and 24 inches of snow in NYC with stronger isolated totals, reduced visibility and heavy winds capable of creating whiteout conditions.

Mayor Mamdani said the emergency declaration and travel ban are necessary steps to ensure emergency responders and essential crews can move unimpeded and to keep residents safe as conditions deteriorate.

Related: Potomac River Hit by 243M-Gallon Sewage Spill After Major Sewer Pipe Collapse

In addition to the travel restriction, all New York City public school buildings will be closed on Monday for a traditional snow day, with no remote instruction. The city activated Code Blue protocols and deployed warming buses and shelter services to protect vulnerable residents throughout the storm.

Flights in and out of the city’s major airports have seen thousands of cancellations as airlines adjust to the severe weather forecast, and coastal flooding advisories have been issued for low-lying areas.

Officials warned that travel conditions will rapidly worsen overnight, and residents should stay off the roads unless travel is essential. Snow is expected to taper by Monday afternoon but could linger later in the day, prolonging impacts on transit and essential services.

Related: CDC Confirms 982 Measles Cases as South Carolina Outbreak Hits 973