Hochul Declares State of Emergency as Blizzard Threatens Fresh York

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for multiple counties as a powerful nor’easter approaches, bringing the potential for blizzard conditions to New York City, Long Island, and the lower Hudson Valley. The declaration activates the New York National Guard and prepares state agencies to respond to the impending storm.

State of Emergency Declared

Governor Hochul’s declaration, issued on Saturday, February 22, 2026, covers Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties, as well as contiguous counties Governor Hochul’s Office.

The state of emergency allows New York to more readily respond to the developing winter storm. Officials are preparing for snowfall potentially reaching up to 2 feet in the five boroughs and on Long Island silive.com.

Blizzard Conditions Expected

A blizzard warning has been issued for New York City by the National Weather Service, the first in nearly a decade, from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. The worst of the storm is expected overnight Sunday into Monday, with snowfall and high winds gusting over 60 mph creating blizzard conditions, along with the possibility of coastal flooding and power outages silive.com.

Governor Hochul cautioned residents that they are currently experiencing “the calm before the storm” MSN.

State Preparedness

The state has introduced a new “snow and ice” rescue vehicle designed to assist stranded motorists. 100 National Guard members are on standby to support. The rescue vehicle can transport up to 20 people at a time and will be deployed to Long Island if needed Governor Hochul’s Office.

New York State Police are urging people to avoid driving until conditions improve, potentially as early as Tuesday Governor Hochul’s Office.

City Response

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has outlined the city’s plan to address the storm, anticipating snowfall exceeding 20 inches. The administration expects the storm to be more severe than January’s Winter Storm Fern. Mayor Mamdani is urging New Yorkers to stay indoors and off the roads for their safety silive.com.

Staying Informed

Residents are encouraged to ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones and to register for real-time weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111 silive.com.