NYC Braces for Weekend Cold Snap: Key Details to Know
New York City is bracing for a drastic cold snap this weekend. Following a recent winter storm that left significant snow accumulation, residents face frigid temperatures and harsh wind chills.
Extreme Cold Forecast for NYC
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning for New York City and northern New Jersey. This advisory is effective through Sunday afternoon. Meteorologists predict wind chills will plummet to between 15 and 25 degrees below zero.
What to Expect
- Light snowfall recorded at Central Park: 0.1 inches
- Previous storm snowfall: 11.4 inches
- Upcoming temperatures: 15 to 25 degrees colder than usual for early February
City Measures to Combat the Cold
In response to these dangerous conditions, Mayor Zohran Mamdani stressed the importance of staying indoors during a briefing. The city has declared a “Code Blue” to protect vulnerable residents. This means emergency calls for homeless assistance will be prioritized.
- City operations include 62 warming centers and additional hotel shelter units.
- Emergency assistance call automation reduced from 1 minute 20 seconds to 40 seconds.
Recent Tragedies and Response Strategies
The extreme cold has already led to the tragic deaths of 17 New Yorkers since January 24, many of whom were homeless. Mayor Mamdani noted that some fatalities were linked to overdoses. To address these issues, the city has partnered with overdose prevention centers to ensure they remain operational 24/7 during this cold snap.
Outreach Efforts
The city has increased its outreach efforts, deploying additional outreach workers and nurses. A peer outreach model has also been implemented, involving individuals who have experienced homelessness to assist in encouraging residents to seek shelter.
Overall, city officials are focused on providing necessary support as New Yorkers brace for an exceptionally cold weekend ahead.
