NYC Cold Deaths Climb to 18 as Tri-State Eyes Warmer Week

Mayor Mamdani urges New Yorkers to stay indoors and calls for more warming centers amid dangerous winter weather.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The brutal cold in New York City has claimed 18 weather-related deaths so far, prompting Mayor Zohran Mamdani to mobilize more warming centers and outreach efforts to keep residents safe. Meanwhile, a power outage in Bushwick left some residents using their cars as makeshift generators to stay warm. However, the tri-state area is expected to see a warm-up in the coming days, with temperatures climbing above freezing by midweek.

Why it matters

The high number of cold-related deaths in New York City highlights the dangers of extreme winter weather and the need for robust emergency response and support systems to protect vulnerable populations. The power outage in Bushwick also underscores the importance of reliable infrastructure during severe cold snaps.

The details

Mayor Mamdani announced around 60 new hotel shelter units and more warming centers, bringing the total number of warming facilities citywide to nearly 65. The city also added more safe haven beds and launched around 150 more direct street outreach workers to supplement the over 400 Department of Homeless Service outreach workers already working. In Bushwick, more than 1,800 customers lost power due to an electrical problem, with some residents using their cars as makeshift generators to stay warm.

  • The stretch of dangerous winter weather started weeks ago.
  • Wind chills on Sunday morning made this past weekend the coldest of the season so far.
  • The power outage in Bushwick started on Saturday.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who is leading the city's emergency response efforts to the dangerous winter weather.

Con Edison

The utility company that had to temporarily shut off power in parts of Bushwick, Brooklyn due to an electrical problem.

Johnny Jones

A Bushwick resident who was able to use a generator to keep his home warm during the power outage.

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What they’re saying

“Temperatures remain dangerously low, and we are mobilizing every part of government to keep people safe. As we head into the week, I am urging New Yorkers to stay indoors, take extra precautions, and be safe. If you see anyone outside who needs help, please call 311. Our outreach workers will connect them to warming centers, safe haven sites and shelters.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor (nbcnewyork.com)

“I do construction I went and got my generator so I could get some light and some heat cause I ain't gonna freeze”

— Johnny Jones (nbcnewyork.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.