New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is expected to appear at a news conference later Wednesday, and while the nature of his “announcement” isn’t clear, he will likely again be asked about the city’s cold weather response.
A day ago, Mamdani said at least 10 New York City residents had lost their lives since they were found outdoors amid bitterly cold temperatures in the past few days. That’s up from his previous report, which was up slightly over the report before that. The number has steadily climbed since Saturday, when it was three.
It’s unclear if they died of hypothermia — the city is awaiting autopsies for confirmation on the causes and manners — but the mayor‘s office says cold weather is believed to have played a role in each of those deaths.
The medical examiner’s office hadn’t shared an update as of early Wednesday.
The weekend winter storm dumped anywhere from 7-15 inches of snow across Long Island, shutting down MacArthur Airport and leaving plenty of work for residents to clear their walks and driveways. Sadly, police said two deaths were linked to the storm. NBC New York’s Greg Cergol reports.
Some of those who died had previous interaction with the shelter system, Mamdani said. Outreach efforts have been intensified and continue to do so. Hundreds have been placed in shelters. Warming centers are open.
“Code Blue is not enough in a cold this severe,” said Mamdani, who has referred to the current weather stretch as the coldest the city has seen in eight years.”
His office announced Tuesday it was stepping up its cold-weather protocols to help get more people off the streets. And to keep New Yorkers across the five boroughs regularly informed by text, email and social media.
Weather-related deaths were reported on Long Island and in Verona, New Jersey. NBC News estimates the total from states affected by this blast of winter weather to top 50.
NYC emergency officials warn of ‘life-threatening’ stretch
New York City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging New Yorkers to take caution, as it warns of potentially “life-threatening” weather conditions that are set to worsen overnight and last for days.
As the five boroughs continue to dig out from the weekend snowstorm, officials have focused their attention on the extreme cold settling over the area. OEM says the main concern started Tuesday night.
Bitterly cold conditions continue with wind chills near zero this morning. Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.🧥🧤
High temperatures today only get into the lower 20s, and wind chills are expected to remain in the teens.
💻 Forecast: https://t.co/kd4x2H2mWk pic.twitter.com/j70xkZcguw
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) January 28, 2026
Another surge of Arctic air arrived after midnight. Wind chills were expected to fall below zero, reaching up to 9 degrees below zero by early Wednesday, the agency says. That cold could kill people who are exposed to it for more than a short time, it notes. Cold advisories are in effect across the region.
“Being outside will feel painful. Exposed skin can freeze in minutes,” emergency officials caution. “Waiting for transit, walking, or working outdoors will be dangerous without full winter protection.”
It’s not just cold. Here’s what such low temps may affect
Beyond those concerns, officials say the cold weather will mean homes lose heat faster. Apartments with weak insulation or heating problems may struggle to stay warm. Pipes could freeze. Cars may have trouble starting.
NYC’s OEM says people without reliable heat, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, and those with medical conditions face the highest risk. Anyone who sees someone at risk outdoors is asked to call 311, and with a Code Blue in effect, Mamdani says that will route the call directly to 911.
Across the U.S., at least 50 deaths were reported in states dealing with extreme weather, according to NBC News. The fresh influx of Arctic air is likely to sustain freezing temperatures in places already covered in snow and ice.
And it’s possible another winter storm could hit the NYC area this weekend.