NYC Travel Ban Shuts Down Streets and Bridges Amid Massive Snowstorm Chaos—What You Need to Know as Millions Left Stranded

New York City officials have declared a local state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a severe snowstorm threatens public safety and disrupts daily life. The emergency order takes effect at 9 p.m. on Sunday, 22 February 2026, and will remain in force until 12 p.m. on Monday, 23 February 2026. The measure comes as heavy snowfall is expected to impede traffic, delay emergency response vehicles, and disrupt essential deliveries. City authorities warned that millions of residents could be affected by the closures.

Mayor of New York City stated that the travel ban is necessary to 'protect life and property and allow for rapid and effective snow removal.' Streets, highways, bridges, and tunnels will be closed to vehicular traffic, including commercial trucks, electric bicycles, scooters, and mopeds.

Vehicles Permitted During the Travel Ban

According to the NYC official statement, certain vehicles are exempt from the ban to maintain emergency operations and essential services. Metropolitan Transportation Authority buses, Access-a-Ride vehicles, and emergency response vehicles will continue to operate.

Non-profit organisations providing food, medical, or housing assistance are also permitted on city streets. Utility companies performing emergency repairs and vehicles delivering food, medical supplies, or fuel are authorised to operate.

Vehicles transporting essential workers to government offices, medical facilities, pharmacies, grocery stores, and other essential businesses are allowed. Persons travelling to hospitals, courts, or their workplaces for critical services are also exempt. The city has emphasised that other vehicles may be authorised at the discretion of city officials.

City Services and School Closures

City offices will be closed to the public on Monday, 23 February 2026, although essential employees are required to report to work. Non-essential employees are permitted to telework where feasible. New York City Public Schools, including charter schools and private educational facilities co-located in public buildings, will remain closed except for warming centres.

Alternate side parking rules are suspended for Monday, 23 February 2026, and the city may extend the suspension to allow snow removal operations to continue. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection will monitor the market for instances of unlawful price gouging during the emergency.

Public Safety Measures and Enforcement

Emergency management, fire, police, sanitation, social services, and transportation departments have been mobilised to ensure public safety. Officials are advising residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary and to remain updated on local alerts. The travel ban carries legal consequences, with violators subject to a class B misdemeanor under New York law.

City officials have emphasised that compliance with the travel ban is essential to ensure the safety of residents and the effectiveness of emergency services. Snow removal operations and emergency responses will continue throughout the storm to minimise disruptions.

Practical Advice for Residents

Authorities recommend that residents stay home if possible, monitor weather updates, and ensure adequate supplies of food, water, and fuel. Warming centres are available for those in need, and essential trips to medical facilities, groceries, pharmacies, and workplaces should be carefully planned. Public transport may be limited during the storm, and residents are urged to follow city advisories closely.

Background on Snowstorm Emergencies

New York City has faced similar winter emergencies in the past, with snowstorms disrupting traffic, emergency response, and daily life. Alternate side parking suspensions and temporary closures of schools and city offices are common measures during extreme weather events. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and adjust restrictions as needed to protect residents and maintain essential services.