New York City Braces for Polar Vortex

Shelters and warming centers open to help homeless residents stay safe

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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With below-zero temperatures expected in New York City this weekend, the city has opened additional shelters and warming centers to help protect homeless residents from the dangerous cold. Mayor Zohran Mamdani says 17 homeless New Yorkers have died during this cold spell, and the public is urged to call 311 to report any homeless individuals needing shelter.

Why it matters

Extreme cold weather poses a serious threat to the health and safety of homeless individuals, who often lack access to proper shelter and resources to stay warm. The city's efforts to expand shelter capacity and warming centers aim to save lives during this dangerous polar vortex event.

The details

The city has added 65 hotel shelter units for those refusing to stay in communal shelters, and has reopened ten empty public schools to serve as warming centers, on top of the 62 centers and mobile units already operating. Feels-like temperatures are expected to dip below zero, with the coldest temperatures of the season hitting parts of New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley from February 7th through the 9th.

  • The polar vortex is expected to hit the New York City area from February 7th through the 9th.
  • 17 homeless New Yorkers have died during this cold spell so far.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who has announced the opening of additional shelters and warming centers to help protect homeless residents from the extreme cold.

Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York, who has warned that this winter is proving to be a brutal one with the upcoming polar vortex.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The city will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the availability of shelters and warming centers as the polar vortex event unfolds.

The takeaway

This extreme cold weather event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by homeless individuals in New York City, and the critical importance of the city's efforts to expand access to shelter and warming resources to protect the most vulnerable during life-threatening conditions.