NYC Mayor Provides Update on Snow Removal Operations

Mamdani says city is expanding response to meet ongoing winter storm challenges

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited a Department of Sanitation snow-melting site to provide an update on the city's response to a recent winter storm that brought up to 15 inches of snow. Mamdani said the city has melted 23 million pounds of snow using eight sites, with 2,500 sanitation workers clearing critical infrastructure on each 12-hour shift. To speed recovery, the city is bringing in more workers from other departments and contracting emergency snow shovelers.

Why it matters

New York City faces significant challenges in keeping streets clear during major winter storms, which can disrupt transportation, commerce, and daily life for residents. The mayor's update highlights the city's efforts to mobilize resources and coordinate a comprehensive snow removal response.

The details

According to Mamdani, the city has cleared more than 13,876 crosswalks, 12,696 bus stops, and 4,486 fire hydrants, using 116 million pounds of salt. Eight snow-melting locations have been activated across the five boroughs to further support snow removal. The city has also contracted roughly 500 emergency snow shovelers per day over the past three days, and 100 sanitation workers are operating specialized vehicles to break up and remove frozen snow ridges.

  • Mayor Mamdani visited a Department of Sanitation snow-melting site yesterday morning.
  • The winter storm brought up to 15 inches of snow to parts of New York City.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who is overseeing the city's snow removal efforts.

Department of Sanitation (DSNY)

The city agency responsible for snow removal operations, with approximately 2,500 sanitation workers deployed per shift.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Across all five boroughs, we've melted 23 million pounds of snow using eight snow-melting sites. Every 12-hour shift, 2,500 sanitation workers are out there clearing bus stops, crosswalks, hydrants, and other critical infrastructure.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Mirage News)

“There is still more work to do. That's why we are bringing in hundreds more city workers from outside the Sanitation Department, extending shifts and deploying emergency equipment to get this done faster and safer.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Mirage News)

What’s next

The city will continue its around-the-clock snow removal operations, with a focus on clearing remaining crosswalks, bus stops, and fire hydrants. The mayor urged New Yorkers to report any uncleared sidewalks to 311, as property owners are required to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks.

The takeaway

New York City's comprehensive snow removal response, involving thousands of sanitation workers and the deployment of specialized equipment, highlights the significant logistical challenges the city faces in keeping streets clear during major winter storms. The mayor's update underscores the city's commitment to mobilizing all available resources to ensure public safety and maintain essential services for residents.