Snowstorm Hits NYC as Cold Weather Death Toll Reaches Five

New York City is bracing for a significant winter storm that has begun to unleash heavy snowfall, with accumulations potentially reaching 12 inches. The storm, part of a broader weather system impacting much of the United States, is expected to diminish by Monday afternoon, transitioning from snow to a mixture of sleet and freezing rain during the late Sunday hours.

The National Weather Service issued a warning for New Yorkers, advising that the impending storm could result in hazardous conditions throughout the city. Forecasts predict total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches, which, coupled with ice, poses risks for transportation and infrastructure. The storm’s trajectory follows a path that has already caused chaos from New Mexico to North Carolina, prompting warnings for potential power outages and dangerous travel conditions for millions across the affected regions.

As the city prepares for the storm’s peak, Mayor Mamdani reported via social media late Saturday that the cold has already claimed the lives of at least five individuals in the city. Though the specific causes of death are still under investigation, preliminary reports indicate that all five victims were homeless. The mayor highlighted the city’s outreach efforts to assist vulnerable populations, including deploying teams to offer shelter and support to those in need.

Since early Saturday morning, authorities have responded to several tragic incidents involving homeless individuals. A man was found deceased around 5:35 a.m. on Hillburn Avenue, and shortly thereafter, another man was discovered unconscious at 69th Street and First Avenue. Both were pronounced dead upon arrival at local hospitals. The tally includes additional victims identified over the day, including a 67-year-old man in Murray Hill and others in Brooklyn neighborhoods. The causes of these fatalities will be confirmed by the city’s Medical Examiner.

In anticipation of the storm, NJ Transit has suspended all services for the day, while city sanitation crews have been actively salting roadways. Plowing operations are set to commence once snow accumulations exceed two inches. As residents stocked up on essential supplies, local stores saw increased demand for perishables and winter-related items such as shovels and ice melt.

As the storm continues to impact daily life in New York City, officials remain vigilant in monitoring conditions and assisting those most at risk during this harsh winter weather.