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New York City is bracing for its first accumulating snowfall of the year as officials issue a travel advisory ahead of a winter storm expected to impact the five boroughs on Sunday, January 18, 2026. With the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasting a fast-moving system, the city has activated winter weather protocols to manage potential disruptions to transportation and public safety.
The New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) department, in coordination with the NWS, has issued a travel advisory effective for Sunday, warning residents of slippery roads and reduced visibility. According to NYCEM, a Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with snow expected to begin as early as 5 a.m. and continue throughout the day. While the storm is not expected to be a blizzard, the timing and temperatures could create hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the city on Saturday, urging New Yorkers to exercise caution. “As the first accumulating snow of the year falls, New York City is ready,” Mayor Mamdani stated, according to ABC7 New York. “I’m deeply grateful to the public servants putting in long, cold hours—please plan ahead, avoid unnecessary travel, and check in on neighbors who may need help.”
Forecast and Timing
Meteorologists predict that the system will bring a general accumulation of 1 to 3 inches of snow across the city, with the potential for slightly higher amounts of 2 to 4 inches in eastern Queens and southeast Brooklyn. According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest snowfall is anticipated during two specific windows: between 8 a.m. and noon, and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The precipitation is expected to taper off by Sunday evening.
Temperatures are forecast to hover near freezing, which means the snow will likely stick to grass and shaded areas first before accumulating on paved surfaces as temperatures drop later in the day. “Relatively warm temperatures will limit accumulation on roads and other warm surfaces,” NYCEM noted in their advisory, but warned that untreated surfaces could become icy quickly. This weather event occurs against a backdrop of shifting climate patterns, where traditional winter storms have become less predictable due to global warming and changing environmental conditions.
City Preparations and Safety Measures
In response to the forecast, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has mobilized a massive fleet to keep the city’s streets passable. According to city officials, approximately 2,000 sanitation workers have been deployed, equipped with over 700 salt spreaders and 44 specialized bike lane spreaders. The DSNY issued a “Snow Alert” starting at 4 a.m. Sunday, signaling a high-level deployment of resources to address the wintry mix.
NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol emphasized the importance of community preparedness. “We’re closely coordinating with city agencies and utilities to mitigate any disruptions,” Iscol said. He advised residents to use mass transit if travel is absolutely necessary and to allow for extra travel time. Additionally, a “Code Blue” is in effect, triggering enhanced outreach efforts to bring homeless New Yorkers into shelters. Teams will be canvassing all five boroughs to ensure vulnerable individuals are protected from the freezing temperatures.
Travel Impacts and Advisory
The travel advisory warns of potential delays on major roadways and bridges. While mass transit is expected to run, commuters should check for service changes on the MTA website. The storm also coincides with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend, which may affect traffic volumes. According to Audacy, trash and recycling collections remain unchanged for Sunday, though there will be no collection on Monday due to the holiday.
Drivers are specifically warned to watch for black ice, particularly during the evening hours when temperatures are expected to dip further. The combination of wet roads and freezing conditions can create treacherous driving environments, even with light snowfall. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC alerts to stay updated on the latest weather developments and emergency instructions.
In Brief (TL;DR)
New York City officials issued a travel advisory as the first accumulating snowfall of the year impacts the five boroughs this Sunday.
The National Weather Service predicts up to three inches of snow, warning of slippery roads and reduced visibility throughout the day.
City agencies have mobilized thousands of sanitation workers and salt spreaders while urging residents to exercise caution and use mass transit.
Conclusion
As New York City faces its first significant winter weather event of 2026, the message from officials is clear: preparation and caution are key. With a travel advisory in place and sanitation crews working around the clock, the city is aiming to minimize the impact of the storm. Residents are advised to stay off the roads if possible, look out for vulnerable neighbors, and stay informed as the system moves through the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Snowfall is forecast to begin as early as 5 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, continuing throughout the day. The heaviest accumulation is anticipated during two specific windows: between 8 a.m. and noon, and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., before tapering off in the evening.
The National Weather Service predicts a general accumulation of 1 to 3 inches across most of the city. Areas in eastern Queens and southeast Brooklyn might experience slightly higher totals, potentially reaching 2 to 4 inches, depending on how the system tracks.
Officials have issued a travel advisory warning of slippery roads and reduced visibility, urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel. If you must drive, watch for black ice, especially during the evening hours when temperatures drop, and allow extra time for your commute.
The DSNY has issued a Snow Alert and mobilized a massive fleet including over 700 salt spreaders and 2000 sanitation workers. They are actively treating streets and bike lanes to prevent icing, though relatively warm ground temperatures may limit initial accumulation on paved surfaces.
A Code Blue indicates that temperatures have reached freezing levels, prompting the city to increase outreach to homeless individuals. Teams canvas the five boroughs to encourage vulnerable residents to seek shelter and ensure they are protected from the hazardous winter conditions.
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