Historic Cold Grips New York City, Threatening Frostbite and Prompting Urgent City Response
Table of Contents
New York City faces a hazardous deep freeze this weekend, with temperatures poised to plummet and wind chills perhaps reaching 15 degrees below zero, according to the National Weather Service. The extreme cold poses a significant risk of frostbite in as little as 30 minutes and has prompted Mayor Zohran Mamdani to issue urgent pleas for residents to stay indoors and for vulnerable New Yorkers to seek shelter.
Deadly Cold Claims Lives, Spurs Citywide Effort
At least 17 people have been found dead in the cold since January 24th, with five deaths already attributed to hypothermia and more under inquiry. City officials note that alcohol or ethanol intoxication played a role in some of these tragic cases. Mamdani has characterized the response as an “all-hands-on-deck” effort, reopening public schools as warming centers and deploying outreach teams to connect those in need with resources.
Communication Challenges and Outreach Expansion
The city is working to improve communication about available resources after reports surfaced of a mobile warming center – a bus stationed outside the Staten Island Ferry Terminal – going largely unnoticed on a recent night. Mamdani acknowledged a “communication breakdown” and stated that addressing this issue with clear signage is “critical.” As of Saturday, signs directing people to the warming bus, offering clinical care, food, and warming supplies, were in place both inside the terminal and on the bus itself, displayed in multiple languages. City Hall announced the addition of 150 outreach workers,bringing the total to 550,working around the clock to connect individuals with shelter. Warming centers have been
The use of generators and grills is strongly discouraged due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Looking Ahead: A Brief Respite Expected Monday
Temperatures are expected to moderate on Monday, with highs in the 30s and lows in the teens, accompanied by calmer winds. Though, officials emphasize the continued need for vigilance and preparedness.
Resources for New Yorkers in Extreme Weather
New Yorkers in need of assistance can access the following resources:
- News & Alerts: WNYC 93.9 FM/AM 820,the WNYC app,and Gothamist for regular updates.
- Weather Updates: National Weather Service (New York & new Jersey).
- Emergency Updates (NYC): Text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 (English), NOTIFYNYCESP (Spanish), or NOTIFYNYCFRE (French). Also available via the NotifyNYC app.
- Department of Sanitation: Snow alerts and sidewalk clearing advisories.
- Social Media (NYC): NYC Emergency Management on X, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Governor Kathy Hochul.
- Social Media (NJ): ReadyNJ, NJ state Police, and Governor Mikie Sherrill.
- Transit: MTA, Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road, NJ transit, and Amtrak.
- Road Conditions: 511NY.org and 511NJ.org.
- Flight Data: Check with airlines for delays and cancellations.
- power Outages (NY): Con Edison, PSEG, Central Hudson, Orange and Rockland Utilities.
- Power Outages (NJ): JCP&L, PSE&G, Atlantic City electric.
- School Closures: New York City Public Schools and local school district alerts.
- warming Centers & Shelters: NYC drop-in centers and NJ warming centers.
- Winter Safety Guide: City’s winter preparedness guide.
- General City Information: Call 311.
