NYC Issues Emergency Order Amid Severe Snowstorm

Mayor declares state of emergency, closes roads and public facilities

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City Mayor has issued Emergency Executive Order No. 3, declaring a state of emergency due to a severe snowstorm expected to impact the city. The order restricts vehicular traffic, closes city offices and public schools, and suspends alternate side parking rules to allow for snow removal operations.

Why it matters

The emergency order is intended to protect public safety, allow for effective snow removal, and ensure access to essential services and facilities during the severe winter weather event. Restricting traffic and closing non-essential operations helps minimize risk and disruption to residents and businesses.

The details

The order, effective from 9 PM on Sunday, February 22 to 12 PM on Monday, February 23, closes streets, highways, bridges and tunnels to all vehicular traffic except for emergency vehicles, public transit, delivery vehicles, and those transporting essential workers. City offices will be closed to the public, with essential employees reporting to work, while public schools will also be shuttered except for use as warming centers.

  • The order takes effect at 9 PM on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • The order remains in place until 12 PM on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The players

New York City Mayor

The chief executive of New York City, who has declared the state of emergency and issued the executive order.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection will monitor for price gouging during the state of emergency, and the Transportation Commissioner may extend the suspension of alternate side parking rules to facilitate snow removal.

The takeaway

This emergency order demonstrates the city's proactive measures to safeguard residents and ensure critical operations can continue during a severe winter storm, prioritizing public safety and access to essential services.