New York City has taken drastic measures as it prepares for a severe snowstorm expected to hit the region, prompting officials to close all streets, highways, and bridges to non-essential traffic from Sunday evening at 9 PM local time until Monday noon. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the state of emergency during a press conference, highlighting the unprecedented nature of this storm as New York has not faced such severe winter weather in the last decade.

Only strictly necessary traffic will be permitted during this period, which includes emergency services such as ambulances, police, and fire department personnel. Mayor Mamdani urged all New Yorkers to avoid any non-essential travel during this time to ensure public safety and facilitate snow removal operations. With over 35 million people under snowstorm warnings across multiple states on the East Coast, the city is bracing for significant impacts.

To prepare for the snowstorm, New York City has mobilized resources including 700 salt spreaders to manage the roads. The situation is being monitored closely, and further updates are expected as the storm progresses. This proactive approach reflects the city's commitment to safeguarding its residents amidst potential hazards of severe winter weather and emphasizes the importance of community cooperation during such emergencies.