WINTER STORM WATCH 2/22 – 2/23

February 20, 2026News and Updates

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the New York City area from Sunday morning (2/22) through Monday afternoon (2/23). Snow accumulations of 6–10 inches and gusty winds up to 40 mph are possible. Travel could be very difficult, and hazardous conditions may impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes. Blowing snow could reduce visibility, and the combination of strong winds and heavy, wet snow may bring down tree branches. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is also possible. Providers and clients should monitor updated forecasts and sign up for free emergency alerts at Notify NYC.

NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) is asking that AWS service providers take the following proactive steps to ensure the safety of themselves and their clients:

Conduct outreach to ensure clients are aware and prepared for the weather. Help them prepare if needed. Older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions are most vulnerable.
Encourage staff and vulnerable clients to stay indoors. Clients should consider rescheduling non-emergency appointments and activities. Providers should consider offering remote service options where appropriate. Providers should consider adjusting services as needed, especially for homebound clients who may require supplemental meal delivery or medical services. Clients should have contingency arrangements for services such as adult caregiving and childcare. If staff or clients must go outdoors, they should wear warm, dry clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Shivering is an early sign that the body is losing heat and is a signal to return indoors.
Cold weather puts extra strain on the heart. Providers and clients should use caution when shoveling snow. Anyone with heart disease or high blood pressure should follow the advice of their healthcare provider.
Never use a stove or oven to heat a home. Electric heaters should be plugged directly into a wall outlet and kept away from anything flammable. Confirm that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly. Heat or hot water complaints should be directed to building management. If the issue is not resolved, complaints can be submitted to 311.
Avoid slips and falls. Walking on snow or ice can be extremely hazardous. Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Anyone traveling outside should wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.
Allow for extra travel time. Expect delays with little to no notice, especially when snow is heaviest. Encourage use of public transportation. Staff or clients who rely on car services or paratransit should prepare for longer wait and ride times. MTA Access-A-Ride (AAR) users should call AAR at (877)-337-2017 for service updates, issues regarding same-day trips, trip updates, and to cancel trips.
Drive slowly and carefully if travel is necessary. Use major roads whenever possible. Wet or slushy roadways may freeze and create icy and dangerous conditions.
Protect service animals and pets from the cold. Limit time outdoors, use pet-safe booties if available, and keep animals dry. Do not leave animals outside or in unheated areas.
Be prepared for potential power outages. If an outage occurs, turn off all appliances, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prevent food spoilage, and do not use generators indoors. Clients who use life sustaining equipment and need immediate assistance should call 911. Report outages, downed power lines, and damaged electrical equipment to power providers.
Report downed trees or damaged tree limbs to 311. Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send alerts and updates through Notify NYC. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. Providers and clients can sign up online at notify.nyc, by downloading the Notify NYC app, or by calling 311.