STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The New York City Department of Social Services has activated an Enhanced Code Blue amid what Mayor Zohran Mamdani said “may be the longest stretch of below freezing temperatures” in the city’s history.
As of Tuesday, 10 city residents have died after they were found outdoors in these freezing conditions, according to a post on X put out by Mamdani.
During this Enhanced Code Blue, outreach teams are working “around the clock” and intensifying efforts to reach out and support individuals experiencing homelessness.
In a notification, Notify NYC stated that “no one who is experiencing homelessness and seeking shelter in New York City will be denied.”
Since Jan. 19, the city has made nearly 500 placements, Mamdani said.
“We’re bypassing traditional shelter intake rules so everyone can be accommodated,” the mayor added. “Let me be clear, no one will be turned away.”
The hours of outreach vans are being increased and the paid overtime of these outreach teams are being expanded during this Enhanced Code Blue.
Since Friday, 10 new warming shelters, 7 health centers and 10 warming buses have been opened across the five boroughs, according to Mamdani.
Additionally, as part of the Enhanced Code Blue, 311 calls are being rerouted to 911.
“When it comes to getting New Yorkers out of the cold, we are leaving no stone unturned. And if you see someone out in the cold who looks like they may need help, please call 311,” Mamdani said in the video posted to X. “Stay safe, stay warm and look out for your neighbors.”
For additional information on outreach, visit https://www.nyc.gov/site/dhs/outreach/street-outreach.page.
A prolonged cold snap
The National Weather Service forecasts freezing conditions to persist through next week.
On Wednesday, the nighttime low will drop to just 8 degrees Fahrenheit in the city. Thursday will see a high around 21 and a low back down at 8 degrees.
Friday will bring about the most frigid conditions of the days ahead, with a high of just 18 degrees Fahrenheit and a chilling cold of just 4 degrees, according to the weather service.
Temperatures will climb to about 19 degrees on Saturday, but the low will drop to around 13 degrees.
Sunday will see temperatures in the mid-20s and the arrival of a nor’easter packing snow and gusty winds.
Both Monday and Tuesday will feature highs at or below freezing.