Mayor Zohran Mamdani has activated a multi-faceted response plan as the city grapples with the "lethal cold" stretch, with real-feel temperatures expected to plummet to 10 below zero this weekend. A total of 17 people have lost their lives outside during this period, with the majority dying from hypothermia.
Mamdani has announced a series of measures aimed at bringing people indoors and mitigating the effects of extreme cold. The city will reopen 10 public schools as warming centers, deploying school nurses to conduct street outreach operations. Additionally, the mayor is piloting a peer outreach program that pairs formerly homeless individuals with outreach workers.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning for Saturday night into Sunday, warning of temperatures that can lead to rapid onset of hypothermia and frostbite in as little as 15 minutes.
In response to the crisis, the city is adding over 65 new hotel shelter units, expanding its existing warming center network, and partnering with Northwell Health to open two new facilities. Two overdose prevention centers will remain open 24 hours this weekend.
Mamdani has called on New Yorkers who are more comfortable staying outdoors to seek shelter indoors, citing the dangers of extreme cold as a reason to take action. Outreach teams have made over 1,250 placements into shelters and safe havens since January 19, with involuntarily transported individuals numbering 27.
Mamdani has announced a series of measures aimed at bringing people indoors and mitigating the effects of extreme cold. The city will reopen 10 public schools as warming centers, deploying school nurses to conduct street outreach operations. Additionally, the mayor is piloting a peer outreach program that pairs formerly homeless individuals with outreach workers.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning for Saturday night into Sunday, warning of temperatures that can lead to rapid onset of hypothermia and frostbite in as little as 15 minutes.
In response to the crisis, the city is adding over 65 new hotel shelter units, expanding its existing warming center network, and partnering with Northwell Health to open two new facilities. Two overdose prevention centers will remain open 24 hours this weekend.
Mamdani has called on New Yorkers who are more comfortable staying outdoors to seek shelter indoors, citing the dangers of extreme cold as a reason to take action. Outreach teams have made over 1,250 placements into shelters and safe havens since January 19, with involuntarily transported individuals numbering 27.
like what if you don't have a place to go or warm up? 
and the fact that some people already lost their lives from hypothermia is just heartbreaking 
. I'm glad the city is doing something about it by opening warming centers and adding more hotel shelter units, but i wish they could do more 
like maybe provide more food, blankets, or even medical help for those who need it urgently 
. And why not have some winter clothes or equipment at the shelters too? 
it's just common sense. I hope things get better soon 
! I feel bad for all the people struggling, but why do we always gotta wait till it's too late? Shouldn't the city be better prepared for situations like this? I mean, 17 lives lost already? It's like they're saying "oh no, looks like someone's gonna die" instead of being proactive 
. And what about people who can't make it to shelters? Can we at least have some kind of emergency hotline or something? This is just not right 
my heart goes out to all the ppl struggling thru this cold spell 
we gotta look out for each other, especially during times like these 
let's make sure everyone has a warm place to go! 
My heart goes out to all the families who lost loved ones to this brutal cold snap. The idea of school nurses doing street outreach operations sounds like a lifesaver, and I'm so glad the city is taking steps to make sure everyone has a warm place to go. 
Those new hotel shelter units and warming center expansions are a huge relief. Let's hope it warms up soon and this nightmare ends. Sending all my love to those affected 
This cold snap is just brutal, you know? I'm one of those people who loves walking outside in the winter, but this time it's just too much. The thought of being out there for more than 15 minutes without a proper coat and gloves is just terrifying. I mean, 17 lives lost already? It's just heartbreaking.
. But what's the actual cost of opening all these new facilities? We're talking over 65 hotel shelter units here... that's gotta be some big bucks 
. And what about the logistics of getting people to those shelters? I'm not seeing much info on how they'll actually be transported there safely 
. Can we get a source on this from the mayor's office or maybe some local news outlets? Just want to make sure we're not spreading misinformation 
I'm worried sick about those people who can't get indoor shelter... it's just not fair that some ppl are more likely to lose their lives outside in this extreme cold. I mean, what about the homeless folks? They're already struggling and now they gotta battle hypothermia on top of everything else. 
We need more support & resources for these vulnerable ppl ASAP! 
but for some of us, especially the homeless ones, it's not just about being cold it's about finding a place to call home
Oh man I can only imagine how scary this must be for everyone right now... the thought of those 17 people losing their lives to something as simple as being outside in the cold is just heartbreaking 
. I feel for the people who lost their lives outside, it's just so sad 
. but i'm glad the mayor is taking action and opening up all these warming centers 
. and the peer outreach program sounds like a great idea 
. i hope the new hotel shelter units can help some of the homeless folks get back on their feet 
But seriously, I think it's awesome that they're opening up schools as warming centers – what a genius idea! 
On the other hand, 65 new hotel shelter units sounds like way too much money to be spent on this... shouldn't we just prioritize affordable housing instead? 
. It's about time we start supporting each other instead of shaming people for being homeless on the streets. And let's be real, the new hotel shelter units and warming center expansion are a step in the right direction 
. We just need to keep pushing for more – this isn't a one-time solution, it's an ongoing effort 
.
It's not a matter of choice, folks – sometimes people just need help and we gotta step up