NYC Schools Reopen Tuesday After Travel Ban Lifted

Mayor Mamdani says conditions remain dangerous as city recovers from historic blizzard.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced that the city's travel ban has been lifted as of Monday at 12 p.m., and all New York City Public Schools will be open for in-person instruction on Tuesday. While the travel ban has ended, the mayor is urging New Yorkers to stay off the roads and take public transportation due to ongoing dangerous conditions from the historic blizzard that has dropped up to 24 inches of snow in some areas.

Why it matters

The reopening of New York City schools is a significant milestone in the city's recovery from the winter storm, allowing students to return to in-person learning. However, the mayor's caution about road conditions highlights the ongoing challenges the city faces in fully restoring normal operations.

The details

As of Monday afternoon, the storm had dropped 16 to 19 inches of snow on most parts of the city, with over 24 inches reported in parts of Eastern Staten Island. The Department of Sanitation has spread 50 million pounds of salt and plowed over 99.5% of city streets at least once. In addition to clearing streets, the city has worked to clear crosswalks, fire hydrants, and bus stops to help restore transportation.

  • The travel ban was lifted at 12 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • New York City Public Schools will reopen for in-person instruction on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • The blizzard warning is in effect until 6 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • Light snowfall is expected to continue through the afternoon on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • The coastal flood warning that had affected parts of the city expired at 5 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the lifting of the travel ban and the reopening of public schools.

Department of Sanitation (DSNY)

The city agency responsible for plowing streets and spreading salt, having cleared over 99.5% of city streets at least once.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

The city agency that has cleared over 1,300 sheltered bus stops to help restore transportation.

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS)

The city's public school system, which is preparing school buildings and transportation for the safe return of students on Tuesday.

Department of Social Services (DSS)

The city agency that is operating under enhanced continuous Code Blue protocols to connect unsheltered New Yorkers to safe, warm spaces.

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What they’re saying

“New York City continues to meet the urgency of this historic blizzard, and we will not stop until the storm has passed and our city is fully up and moving again.”

— Mayor Zohran Mamdani (Mirage News)

“Though the travel ban has lifted, conditions on the road are still icy and dangerous, and we encourage New Yorkers to take public transportation if needed, stay indoors when possible and stay informed through Notify NYC.”

— Mayor Zohran Mamdani (Mirage News)

What’s next

The city will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates through Notify NYC. The Department of Social Services will also maintain its enhanced Code Blue protocols through Wednesday morning to ensure vulnerable New Yorkers have access to warm shelter.

The takeaway

The reopening of New York City schools and the lifting of the travel ban are important steps in the city's recovery from the historic blizzard, but officials are still urging caution as dangerous conditions persist. The city's coordinated response, including clearing streets, providing warming centers, and ensuring shelter for the homeless, demonstrates its commitment to supporting all New Yorkers during this weather emergency.