NYC Travel Ban Is In Place Due to Blizzard: What to Know

The NYC journey ban is formally in impact, and sure, that is critical. New York Metropolis is going through a historic winter storm that officers will not be taking calmly. If you’re in New York, it is advisable to perceive what this winter storm means in your security, your commute, and your plans.

This isn’t simply one other snow day. This can be a main snowstorm with heavy snow, excessive winds, and blizzard situations throughout the New York Metropolis space and the broader tri state space. Let me break this down clearly so fellow New Yorkers know precisely what is occurring.

1. Why The NYC Journey Ban Was Declared

Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a state of emergency in New York Metropolis because of the blizzard. The state of emergency permits the town to behave quick and prohibit non important journey. The brand new york metropolis mayor made it clear this storm is totally different.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a state of emergency for New York Metropolis because of the winter storm. In keeping with the town mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York Metropolis has not confronted a storm of this scale within the final decade, in keeping with Mayor Mamdani. That alone ought to seize your consideration.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for your entire state forward of the storm. The brand new york gov warned that this historic winter storm may create unimaginable journey throughout New York and Lengthy Island.

2. Actual Particulars Of The Journey Ban

A journey ban is in impact in New York Metropolis from 9 p.m. Sunday to midday Monday attributable to a extreme winter storm. The NYC journey ban is about to stay in impact from 9:00 p.m. on February 22, 2026, to 12:00 p.m. on February 23, 2026. That covers Sunday night time into Monday morning.

A journey ban was carried out in New York Metropolis from 9 p.m. Sunday to midday Monday, limiting non-emergency visitors. The journey ban restricts all non-emergency automobile visitors on streets, highways, and bridges in New York Metropolis. Sure, meaning metropolis streets, highways ranging from key entry factors, and bridges are off limits.

The travel ban restricts all non emergency visitors on streets highways and bridges. Violating the journey ban may end in a category b misdemeanor. Officers pressured this citywide journey ban is about security, not punishment.

READ ALSO: Winter Weather Advisory and Things To Consider During The Season

3. Who Is Exempt From The Ban

Important staff and emergency responders are exempt from the journey ban in New York Metropolis. Exemptions to the journey ban are in place for important staff and emergency responders. Emergency automobiles will proceed working regardless of blizzard situations.

The journey ban is meant to maintain individuals protected and scale back the chance to supply staff and emergency responders in the course of the storm. Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged restaurant employees and supply staff utilizing e bikes to keep away from pointless journey.

Industrial automobiles and industrial vehicles are largely restricted in the course of the journey ban. Solely accepted industrial automobiles tied to emergency operations might transfer on streets highways and bridges till additional discover.

4. What The Climate Forecast Seems to be Like

The National Weather Service has warned of blizzard situations with snowfall charges of 2-3 inches per hour in the course of the storm. Snowfall charges at that degree can create unimaginable journey inside minutes. Heavy snow mixed with excessive winds makes direct eye visibility extraordinarily low.

New York Metropolis is anticipated to obtain between 18 and 24 inches of snow because of the blizzard. The storm is anticipated to carry wind gusts of as much as 60 mph in New York Metropolis, contributing to hazardous situations. That could be a brutal combine.

Blizzard situations are anticipated to make journey extraordinarily treacherous in New York Metropolis and surrounding areas. This blizzard warning covers the york metropolis space and Lengthy Island. Coastal flooding and energy outages are additionally potential throughout New York.

5. Public Faculties And Providers Closed

Public colleges in New York Metropolis have been closed on Monday because of the blizzard situations. York Metropolis public colleges introduced a snow day as quickly because the state of emergency was declared. That call protects college students and employees.

The brand new york metropolis mayor confirmed york metropolis public colleges will stay closed by means of midday Monday. Town expects extra snow day bulletins if climate improves slowly. Officers need individuals house and protected.

Alternate facet parking has been suspended in the course of the winter storm. Folks stroll rigorously after they should go exterior, however pointless journey is strongly discouraged throughout the town.

6. Transit Disruptions Throughout New York

Rail service is going through critical disruptions. Metro North introduced an hourly service schedule on choose department traces. The Staten Island Railway could also be totally suspended relying on situations.

The Staten Island Ferry continues restricted service, however excessive winds might trigger delays. NJ Transit adjusted to weekend schedules and lowered categorical service. Gentle rail methods are working on modified hourly service.

The hourly service schedule might change if energy outages enhance. Town warned that streets highways and bridges stay harmful even for skilled operators.

READ ALSO: 7 Steps to Keep Your Home Warm When the Weather Outside Is Frightful

7. Impression On Airports And Journey

Over 8,000 flights have been canceled nationally because of the storm impacting NYC airports. That quantity is staggering and exhibits how extensive this winter storm stretches. Vacationers within the tri state space ought to count on additional cancellations.

The NYC journey ban impacts airport entry, since streets highways and bridges are restricted. Non important journey to terminals is discouraged till midday Monday. New Yorkers ought to test airways earlier than heading out.

Lengthy Island vacationers are additionally affected by heavy snow and potential energy outages. The brand new york metropolis space is actually locked down for security throughout this main snowstorm.

8. Nationwide Guard And Emergency Response

The National Guard was activated in New York to help with emergency response in the course of the storm. Utility corporations are on standby to reply to energy outages. Emergency crews are making ready meals and provides for susceptible residents.

Officers held a press convention and information convention Sunday morning. Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed fellow New Yorkers straight. He referred to as this emergency forward of what may change into a harmful state of affairs.

Metropolis mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasised that emergency response groups are prepared. The state of emergency offers New York flexibility to deploy assets quick.

READ ALSO: Travel Inn Hacks Every Budget Traveler Should Know

9. Federal Journey Bans And Tourism Issues

The 2025/2026 federal journey bans are considerably limiting international customer numbers to New York Metropolis. The federal proclamation efficient January 1, 2026, imposes entry restrictions on residents from roughly 23 international locations for nationwide safety causes.

Affected international locations from the federal journey bans embrace Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, with partial restrictions on Nigeria, Venezuela, and Cuba. Worldwide guests make up 20% of complete vacationers in NYC however account for 50% of complete customer spending.

The bans and travel restrictions are inflicting a broader decline in smooth energy, as vacationers select different international locations over the U.S. This provides stress on New York throughout an already historic winter storm.

10. What New Yorkers Ought to Do Now

New Yorkers ought to keep house till climate improves. Keep away from non important journey and respect the citywide journey ban. Streets highways and bridges will stay harmful throughout peak snowfall charges.

Put together meals, cost gadgets, and test on neighbors. Anticipate potential energy outages and delays in companies. Hearken to updates from the National Weather Service and native officers.

This NYC journey ban is just not overreacting. It’s a clear response to a uncommon winter storm hitting New York with pressure. Keep protected, keep heat, and let emergency groups do their work till midday Monday.