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New York City's dangerous cold snap is expected to continue through the weekend, with temperatures forecast to drop into single digits overnight on Thursday. The frigid conditions have already claimed at least 10 lives across the city, with hypothermia suspected in seven of those deaths.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has issued urgent warnings to residents as the bitter cold persists. "Extreme weather is not a personal failure, but it is a public responsibility," Mamdani said on Tuesday. "We are mobilizing every resource at our disposal to ensure that New Yorkers are brought indoors during this potentially lethal weather event."
The victims include a 52-year-old man found in Queens with hospital discharge papers in his pocket, raising questions about adherence to the city's Code Blue protocols, which are designed to prevent homeless patients from being released to the streets during extreme weather. Another man was discovered under snow on a park bench, wearing only a thin jacket.
In response to the crisis, the city has expanded its emergency measures, adding homeless outreach workers and opening additional warming centers. Officials are also deploying warming buses throughout the five boroughs. According to Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park, at least 200 people have voluntarily accepted shelter since the storm began.
Mayor Mamdani is urging New Yorkers to check on vulnerable neighbors and to use public transportation instead of driving on snow-covered roads. City crews continue working to clear and melt accumulated snow.
The death toll has prompted scrutiny of the city's preparedness for extreme weather events. State Senator Jessica Ramos expressed concern about the city's response, stating, "It's devastating to know the government could have done more and didn't. There are real questions here that demand answers."
Homeless advocates note they cannot recall another recent storm that resulted in so many cold-related deaths in such a short period. David Giffen, executive director of the Coalition for the Homeless, emphasized the need for safer shelter options: "The fact that this many people have passed away shows the city needs to do a much better job of making people feel safe when they come inside."
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