During a news conference, Mamdani said the most severe snowfall is expected overnight, with up to 28 inches (0.7m) in certain areas. He declared a state of emergency in the city. This is the second major snowstorm of the first-time mayor’s administration, coming after 19 people died during a three-week cold snap in January.
Across the state, the highest wind gusts are expected along the coast, up to 65 to 70 mph (104 to 112 kph), with officials warning of downed tree limbs and power outages too.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the whole state ahead of the nor’easter storm and activated about 100 members of the National Guard.
“This will be something the likes of which we’ve not seen in years,” she said. “People will be in the dark. Long Island and New York City and lower Hudson are literally in the direct eye of the storm.”
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also declared a state of emergency and halted service on the state’s transit network from Sunday evening for all buses, light rail, and Access Link.
She said this could be “the worst storm we have seen since 1996” and encouraged residents to stay home and off the roads.
In Connecticut, which along with New York and New Jersey comprises the metropolitan Tri-state area, Governor Ned Lamont signed an emergency order halting all commercial vehicles from traveling on highways across the state.
The order takes effect at 1700 local time (2200 GMT) and remains in effect until further notice, Lamont said.
Massachusetts, Delaware and Rhode Island have also declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm and Boston, Massachusetts, has also closed schools due to the storm.
In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a disaster declaration ahead of the storm to ensure state agencies “have every resource they need to prepare and keep people safe” and told residents to avoid unnecessary travel and follow instructions from local officials and agencies.
In Canada, Nova Scotia’s east coast is expected to be hit the worst, with many parts currently under an orange weather warning from Monday morning until early Tuesday.