After Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s February 23, 2026 blizzard update, reporters pressed him on what New Yorkers cared about most: why the travel ban ended while conditions remained dangerous, whether restrictions could be used in future emergencies, how the city handled homelessness during the storm, and why schools would reopen the next day. The Q&A also covers sidewalk and bus stop clearing, enforcement questions, and what officials say changed from the last major storm response.
1) Travel ban: why end it now — and could NYC use bans for other big events?
Q: The travel ban kept private cars off the roads. Why not extend it (like Westchester)? And would you ever use similar restrictions for other high-risk situations (New Year’s Eve, Halloween, World Cup)?
A (Mamdani): My focus is this blizzard. The worst impacts on traffic management have passed, but conditions are still hazardous—so the travel advisory remains even though the ban ended. Different neighborhoods were hit differently (most areas 16–19 inches, parts of Staten Island 24 inches). We’re shifting resources to help every neighborhood recover quickly. We can review longer-term policy after the storm.
2) Were people charged for violating the travel ban?
Q: Did anyone get a misdemeanor for violating the ban last night?
A: We’ll get back to you with details on violations.
3) Homeless outreach: placements, refusals, fatalities
Q: You said 79 shelter placements—do you know how many refused? Any fatalities?
A: As of now, we’re not aware of any deaths on city streets or in public areas tied to the blizzard. Overnight outreach made close to 80 placements into low-barrier shelters and warming centers, on top of about 85 placements the night before. (No specific refusal number given.)
4) Any involuntary removals during this storm?
Q: Have there been any involuntary removals during these storms?
A: Not during this blizzard.
5) Schools: why cancel today, and did students have devices?
Q: Why cancel school today? Did students have their devices—were they reminded to take them?
A: The schedule is tight because state law requires 180 instructional days. This storm created a “perfect storm”: a major blizzard plus students/teachers coming off a break, meaning some could be stranded returning. Unlike the previous storm, we couldn’t send students home with devices in advance because this happened after a scheduled break. We requested a state waiver, and we’re grateful it was granted.
6) Can staff and students safely reach schools tomorrow?
Q: Are you worried about roads and staff getting to buildings tomorrow, especially commuters?
A (Mamdani): Over 8,000 DOE workers have been prepping schools since yesterday—clearing and making buildings ready, including meals.
A (DOE official): We staffed the emergency ops center, deployed crews across 1,400 school properties, and expect mass transit and school buses to run. Goal is clear sidewalks down to pavement at every school; monitoring continues overnight.
7) Sidewalks & bus stops: why is the city doing work that’s “owners’ responsibility”?
Q: Is the city clearing sidewalks/corners/bus stops itself because last time people couldn’t even cross the street—“just get it done now, argue with landlords later”?
A: Everyone must be able to move around the city—pedestrians, cyclists, bus/train riders, drivers. Last time there were about 4,000 citations to property owners, but we still need sidewalks and crosswalks to be truly passable, including for wheelchairs and strollers. DSNY expanded supervision of the emergency snow-shoveler program focused on crosswalks, sidewalks, and unsheltered bus stops—now able to deploy 1,800 workers per shift.
8) Homeless “cleanups” and the 7-day notice window
Q: Will you suspend the 7-day window between notice and removal? Any regrets about last time?
A: There will be no cleanups during the blizzard. The priority is people—getting them indoors. Over 500 outreach workers are working citywide. After the last storm we reviewed what worked and upgraded the response from day one: geotagging bus shelters and crosswalks, expanding the snow-shoveler program, and bringing in more equipment in advance.
9) NYPD placements vs. removals
Q: Were any placements made by NYPD? You said no involuntary removals—can you clarify?
A: We’ll get back to you. NYPD has made placements in prior storms and remains a key responder.
10) Why no fatalities this time?
Q: Do you credit a different approach, or is it because the cold isn’t as extreme?
A: The previous storm had arctic, prolonged subfreezing conditions with no warm-up—danger lasted longer. This time, even with a blizzard, temperatures are expected to rise to around 40°F later this week, so the hazardous period should be shorter. We’re also continuously improving the city’s response.
Sources: Mayor Mamdani Holds Press Conference to Provide Weather Updates NYCEM Headquarters 165 Cadman Plaza E Brooklyn, NY 11201 , Big New York news
