NYC Emergency Management Issues Travel Advisory Ahead of Weekend Holiday Snow

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December 24, 2025

NYCEM ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY AHEAD OF WEEKEND HOLIDAY SNOW

New York - New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a travel advisory for Friday evening, December 26 into Saturday, December 27. A winter weather system is expected to bring accumulating snow this weekend, potentially creating hazardous travel conditions during a busy holiday travel period. The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted 3 to 7 inches of snow with locally higher amounts possible.

"As New Yorkers continue to celebrate the holidays and prepare to celebrate the new year, they should also prepare for hazardous travel conditions Friday into Saturday," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "New York City agencies have been coordinating and are prepared for the winter weather system, and we continue to monitor conditions closely. New Yorkers should all prepare - avoid driving if possible and give yourself extra travel time with public transit if you do need to travel, stay alert to changing conditions, and sign up for Notify NYC for real-time information updates. Thank you to the tireless public servants who are keeping us safe."

"Many New Yorkers will be traveling or spending time with friends and family this holiday weekend," said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. "I want to thank the sanitation crews, emergency managers, and city workers who will be out in the cold, through Christmas and this holiday weekend, preparing for and responding to these conditions. Snow Friday night into Saturday may make travel hazardous, so we're asking New Yorkers to plan ahead, limit travel when possible, and give our crews room to operate."

"This forecast calls for snow during what is already a heavy travel weekend. DSNY began our operations well in advance of this storm, and we are ready for whatever comes our way - but please stay off the roads, and know that collection delays are possible as we work to get roads safe and clear," said Javier Lojan, Acting Commissioner, NYC Sanitation.

Snow is expected to develop Friday afternoon and intensify into steady, accumulating snow Friday night, with several inches of snowfall expected citywide. Snow is likely to taper off Saturday morning, though lingering flurries may persist. Cold temperatures through Friday night and Saturday will limit snowmelt, increasing the risk of slippery and hazardous road conditions.

In response to the forecasted conditions, NYCEM has activated the City's Winter Weather Emergency Plan, coordinating closely with NWS, city and state agencies, and utility partners.

As part of the Winter Weather Emergency Plan, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will issue a Snow Alert and is pre-deploying hundreds of salt spreaders to pretreat roadways ahead of snowfall, with plows ready to deploy citywide as conditions warrant. During a Snow Alert, DSNY coordinates closely with NYCEM and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to carry out snow-clearing operations.

While DSNY clears streets and bike lanes, property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks. Snow may not be pushed into the street or bike lanes, as this is illegal and interferes with snow operations. Snow should be placed against the building, at the curb line, or on private property. Sidewalks must be kept passable for all pedestrians, with a clear path where possible. While property owners are not required to clear bus stops, they are encouraged to clear a path from the sidewalk to the curb. Failure to clear sidewalks may result in fines.

Have a Plan

Before Winter Weather

• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. NYC law requires them.
  
• Check your snow equipment. Keep rock salt and shovels.
• Winterize your car.
• Prepare a kit with blankets, food, water, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, reflectors, and first aid kit.
• Register with your utility provider if you rely on life-sustaining medical equipment.
• Keep backup power ready.
• Keep essential supplies at home so you can stay safely indoors during and after a storm.
• Know how to get help with heat through the Home Energy Assistance Program. Call 311.

During Winter Weather

• Stay indoors if possible.
• Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.
• Watch for frostbite (numbness, pale or waxy skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, drowsiness). Call 911 if you see symptoms.
• Use heating equipment safely. Never use stoves, ovens, kerosene heaters, or grills to heat your home.
• Run generators only outdoors and away from windows.
• Report heat or hot water outages to your landlord, then call 311 if not resolved.
• NYC law requires minimum indoor temperatures from October 1 through May 31:
• Daytime (6 a.m. - 10 p.m.): At least 68°F inside when it's below 55°F outside
• Nighttime (10 PM - 6 AM): At least 62°F inside, regardless of outside temperature
• Hot water: At least 120°F year-round
• Take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.
• Ask neighbors or community groups for snow removal help if needed.

After Winter Weather

• Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those with access needs.
• Clear snow safely. Shovel slowly. Take breaks. Keep hydrants clear
• Prevent carbon monoxide risks by clearing car tailpipes and using detectors.
  

Stay Informed

• Sign up for Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app, or call 311. Alerts are available in multiple languages, including a dedicated group for basement apartment residents.
• For the latest updates, visit NYCEM's website, check for preparedness and response tips at nyc.gov/beready, and sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or calling 311.

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MEDIA CONTACT: NYCEM Press Office (718) 422-4888

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