Weather alerts issued for NYC as wind chill drops to the 20s.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather advisory for New York City, anticipating frigid wind chills and scattered snow showers from Friday night into Saturday morning. With temperatures expected to dip slightly below freezing, the wind chill could make it feel as cold as 20 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday evening. The following day is projected to bring only a modest increase in temperature, with wind chill making it feel like 25 degrees.

Predictions indicate a minor accumulation of snow, with local areas potentially receiving up to 1 inch. The likelihood of precipitation has been estimated at 30 percent according to the weather service, which has prompted precautionary measures across the city.

In response to the plummeting temperatures, NYC Emergency Management has declared a “Cold Blue” advisory from Friday afternoon until 8 a.m. on Saturday. This initiative includes mobilizing outreach teams to canvas the five boroughs, aiming to assist vulnerable residents in accessing shelter facilities. The agency emphasized its commitment to ensuring that no individual experiencing homelessness seeking shelter will be turned away. New Yorkers are encouraged to report those in need of assistance through the city’s 311 system.

This advisory comes in the wake of a recent deep freeze that has had tragic consequences, contributing to the deaths of 19 individuals on the city’s streets, as reported by city officials. A majority of these fatalities—specifically 15—were determined to be due to hypothermia, while the causes of the remaining deaths are still under investigation. The mayor’s office has also indicated that three of the deaths were associated with drug overdoses.

Amid ongoing discussions about the city’s response to the crisis, members of the New York City Council have expressed concerns regarding outreach efforts to the homeless population during this severe cold snap. Mayor Mamdani has faced scrutiny for his administration’s policies, which diverge from previous administrations by avoiding involuntary removal of homeless individuals from streets in extreme weather conditions.

Statements from City Council Speaker Julie Menin have underscored the urgency of improving outreach and shelter capacity, stating that recent deaths are indicative of systemic deficiencies in city services. Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park highlighted the likelihood of a rise in hypothermia-related deaths among the homeless population this winter compared to previous years, reflecting a deepening crisis in the city’s response to extreme weather and homelessness.

Additionally, the city confirmed this week that seven more cold-related deaths occurred at private residences, all attributed to hypothermia. The details surrounding these fatalities have yet to be disclosed, although they further illustrate the severe implications of the current cold snap.

As the city braces for the impending cold, efforts continue to address the pressing needs of its most vulnerable residents.