At a January 25, 2026 briefing from New York State’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Albany, Governor Kathy Hochul described the unfolding weather system as an “Arctic siege” and warned New Yorkers to prepare for a prolonged stretch of dangerous cold and heavy snow—conditions she said the state has not seen in years.
Snow began falling early in the day on Long Island and in New York City, then spread north toward Albany and across the rest of the state. Hochul cited extreme temperatures reported in upstate communities and emphasized that the cold was not merely a “feels like” number, but actual air temperature—underscoring the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and hazardous travel conditions statewide.
What the state is doing
Hochul said the state’s response was ramping up under an already-declared state of emergency, with additional personnel and equipment positioned around New York to keep roads open, protect critical services, and support local governments.
Key actions highlighted in the briefing included:
- Deployment of National Guard personnel: Hochul said more than 100 Guard members were mobilized, with many assigned downstate to support Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New York City as needed.
- Traffic and trucking restrictions: The state implemented measures intended to reduce crashes and keep highways passable for plows and emergency vehicles, including restrictions affecting certain tractor trailers and directing commercial traffic to specific lanes on state roads.
- Utility readiness: While the governor said widespread outages were not expected, she stressed that repair crews and mutual-aid resources were staged and ready if conditions worsened.
Forecast: heavy snow, sleet and ice risks
The governor warned that the storm would be “brutal, bone-chilling, and dangerous,” with the heaviest snow expected later in the day and overnight. She described a complicated precipitation pattern for downstate areas, including periods of sleet and freezing rain, which can create icy roads and sidewalks even when overall snowfall totals are manageable.
She also noted one relative advantage: winds were not forecast to be a dominant statewide factor—reducing the likelihood of widespread power-line damage—though localized gusts were still possible in New York City and on Long Island.
Schools, transit, and election impacts
For many families, the most immediate change was education-related: Hochul referenced the mayor’s announcement that New York City public schools would shift to remote learning the next day.
On transportation:
- The MTA was expected to keep service running on a weekend schedule, though officials warned plans could change based on conditions and station safety.
On elections:
- The state said early voting for special elections scheduled for Tuesday, February 3 would be suspended for the storm window, with additional hours planned later to make up for the lost time.
Public safety guidance: stay off the roads and prepare at home
Hochul’s message to the public was direct: if you can avoid travel, do it. She emphasized that fewer cars on the road helps everyone—especially plow drivers, emergency services, and hospital staff who must report in person.
She also offered practical tips that matched the severity of the cold:
- Shovel safely: lift with your legs, take smaller loads, and pace yourself to reduce cardiac risk.
- Check detectors: test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, especially if using space heaters.
- Vehicle readiness: keep chargers, blankets, food, and water in the car in case you get stuck.
- Community support: check on elderly neighbors and limit pets’ time outdoors.
A political turn: Minneapolis and federal immigration enforcement
Late in the briefing, Hochul shifted from storm response to a forceful political statement about a reported incident in Minneapolis involving federal immigration agents and the death of a man she identified as Alex Prey, an ICU nurse.
Hochul called for the resignation (or removal) of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and also urged action against senior officials she said were responsible for escalating federal operations. She argued that the incident reflected a broader pattern of excessive force and said states—including New York—would pursue accountability.
Importantly, Hochul’s account and the federal government’s public characterization of such incidents may differ. Reports at the time indicated federal officials disputed key elements of the governor’s narrative.
Bottom line
The briefing delivered two headlines in one: a statewide emergency posture for a severe winter storm, and a high-profile condemnation of federal immigration enforcement tactics after events in Minneapolis. For most New Yorkers, however, the immediate takeaway remained the same: limit travel, prepare for extreme cold, and follow official updates as conditions evolve.
Sources: Big New York news BigNY,com , Midtown Tribune news
