Mon Feb 23 01:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: New York City Declares State of Emergency Amid Severe Winter Storm

The Story:
New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has declared a local state of emergency effective 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, due to a severe snowstorm. The order restricts vehicular traffic on all city streets, highways, bridges, and tunnels until 12 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, to protect public safety and facilitate snow removal. The declaration allows for specific exemptions for emergency vehicles, essential services, and those traveling to critical jobs and facilities.

The executive order outlines measures including the closure of city offices and public schools, monitoring for price gouging, and the suspension of alternate side of the street parking. Essential city employees are expected to report to work, while non-essential employees are encouraged to telework where possible. Violators of the order face a class B misdemeanor charge.

Key Points:

  • A local state of emergency is declared in New York City due to a severe snowstorm, effective February 22-23, 2026.
  • Vehicular traffic is restricted on all city streets, highways, bridges, and tunnels during the emergency period.
  • Exemptions are provided for emergency vehicles, essential services, and individuals traveling to critical jobs and facilities (medical, governmental, food supply, etc.).
  • City offices and public schools are closed, with essential employees reporting to work and non-essential employees teleworking.
  • Price gouging will be monitored by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
  • Alternate side of the street parking rules are suspended.
  • Violations of the order are punishable as a class B misdemeanor.

Key Takeaways:

  • New York City is taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of a severe winter storm.
  • The emergency order prioritizes public safety and the maintenance of essential services.
  • The city is leveraging its resources and agencies to address the challenges posed by the weather event.

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