Life-threatening freeze sets in over NYC area into next week, forecast says

A life-threatening freeze grips New York City area, forecast points to more snow on the horizon.

The Big Apple is bracing for at least another week of sub-freezing temperatures, with highs in the 20s and teens expected through Monday. This prolonged stretch of cold weather could last nine days or longer, making it one of the coldest periods in eight years. Friday is set to be the chilliest day, with highs in the upper teens.

Meanwhile, a developing storm system may bring more snow to the region this weekend, although forecasters caution that the details are still uncertain. "There's some model guidance that brings snow back into the area, and there's just as much model guidance keeping it offshore, keeping us dry," said Brian Ciemnecki at the National Weather Service.

The harsh weather has already claimed 10 lives in New York City, with the majority of them found outdoors between Saturday and Monday. The city's shelter system may have helped some individuals, but others were not so fortunate. A 90-year-old woman was discovered dead in her backyard, wearing only a nightgown and a headscarf, with a small white shawl next to her. Neighbors reported that she had dementia and wandered outside overnight.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has urged New Yorkers to be on high alert for their neighbors, particularly the homeless population, who may be vulnerable to hypothermia. The city is increasing outreach efforts to these individuals, while also opening more than a dozen warming centers and an open-door policy at shelters during Code Blue periods.

As the temperature drops further, the city's Emergency Management agency warns of additional hazards such as frozen pipes, icy roads, and cars having trouble starting. Another surge of Arctic air is expected to arrive Tuesday night into Wednesday, with wind chills plummeting below zero by morning.

"It's a prolonged and severe cold event," the agency tweeted. "Taking precautions now matters." The city has been under a Code Blue since temperatures began to drop, and residents are advised to call 311 if they suspect someone outside in the cold needs help, which will be rerouted to 911.

Omg, this is so crazy ! Nine days of sub-freezing temps? That's like, forever ! I'm not surprised though, we've been hearing about a massive storm system on the way for weeks. Poor souls who lost their lives in the cold... my heart goes out to them and their families. The city's doing its best to help the homeless population, but it's still so sad . I'm just staying indoors with a hot cup of coffee ️ and hoping this storm passes soon!

ugh, this snow is just crazy... i feel so bad for those who got caught out in it... like that poor woman in NYC, 90 yrs old and she can't even take care of herself . i know the city's doing its best to help, but like, what's the deal with people not being able to warm up indoors? they should def have some kinda heat lamps or something... and don't even get me started on frozen pipes . just a total nightmare for everyone, especially those living in shelters . can we pls just get some sunshine already?!

this is just so heartbreakin'... the fact that 10 lives have been lost already & it's still a week away from warmer days feels like an eternity. i'm worried about those who can't get to shelters or warming centers, especially our elderly & homeless fams. what kind of world are we livin' in where people gotta die from hypothermia? at least the city is tryin' to stay one step ahead with all these outreach efforts & warming centers open, but it's just not enough

Ugh I'm so worried about my friends who have families on the streets... they're always talking about how harsh it is during a code blue period we should really do more to support them, like provide warm meals and proper shelter, not just a place to hang out. And what about all the poor seniors who can't even get outside without freezing to death? Like the 90-year-old woman I read about last week... it's just heartbreaking we need to make sure our city is doing everything it can to keep people safe during this time

OMG u guys its like NYC is FROZEN I cant even imagine having to check on my neighbor daily cuz of this harsh weather... 10 ppl have lost their lives already & it's still not over? Mayor Mamdani is right tho, we gotta look out for each other esp the homeless population. They need our help the most. warming centers are a lifesaver btw I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this storm system moves away from us soon... nine days of sub-freezing temps is LITERALLY too much

Snow in NYC is getting old I don't get why people still go out during this - stay inside, grab a hot cuppa ️ and watch the snow fall

ugh this is getting crazy i mean i feel for everyone affected by this crazy cold snap but 10 lives already? that's just heartbreaking it's like we're not learning from our mistakes, we keep having these extreme weather events and people are still losing their lives what's the deal with the homeless population tho? they're literally the most vulnerable to this kind of thing but i guess we can't expect them to magically adapt to the weather conditions anyway gotta give it up for the mayor and emergency management team though, they're trying to do their part by setting up warming centers and outreach programs let's hope these efforts make a difference before another life is lost

omg u guys this is so sad another week of freezing temps in nyc & it's already claimed like 10 lives i feel for all those ppl who don't have a warm place to go or are just struggling i'm talking to the city & anyone reading this pls check on ur neighbors esp seniors & homeless ppl they need our help i hope they open more warming centers cuz shelter isnt enough in these conditions

Wow People should really take care of each other esp during harsh weather conditions

ugh this is really scary i mean i'm glad everyone's staying warm but 10 lives already? that's crazy. the poor old lady who got found dead in her backyard... she couldn't even take care of herself with dementia. and now we're gonna have to deal with all these other dangers like frozen pipes and icy roads... it's just too much i hope everyone stays safe, especially those who are homeless or can't get help when they need it

Ugh this prolonged cold snap is getting outta hand ! I mean I get it, we need to look out for each other esp those most vulnerable but can't they just tell us when it's gonna warm up already? And what's with all these warming centers and shelters popping up left & right? Don't get me wrong, it's good that the city is taking steps but it feels like we're always on high alert for something . And yeah, I know some people are gonna freeze to death if we don't watch out for them but can't we just take a break from all this drama for once? The only thing I'm looking forward to is when the sun comes back out and it's not freezing my butt off

omg this is soooo crazy like the temp is supposed to stay low for like a whole week and there's more snow on the way too?! i hope everyone stays safe esp those homeless people they need extra care it's so sad that 10 ppl lost their lives already what's up with that 90yr old woman who died in her backyard? was she okay before? why did she go out w/o a coat? and what's the deal w/ frozen pipes and icy roads? gotta be careful driving

I'm really worried about those people who have to spend another week outside in this harsh weather. 90 years old is way too young to die of hypothermia . The city is doing a great job opening warming centers and outreach efforts, but there are still so many vulnerable individuals out there.

I think we need to work together as a community to support each other during these tough times. Maybe we can organize some volunteer groups to help check on seniors and homeless folks regularly? And I hope the city's shelter system is doing enough to keep people safe and warm .

It's crazy how quickly the weather can turn from snowflake wonderland to life-threatening situation . We need to stay vigilant, especially with frozen pipes and icy roads being a major concern . Let's all try to be good neighbors and look out for each other during this extreme cold snap .

ugh i was so worried about my cousin who lives in nyc she's been saying that she's gotta bundle up just to go for a walk and i'm like yaaas girl wrap up warm!! anyway i feel bad for those people who lost their lives it's crazy how the cold can get u if ur not prepared i've got my own heating system at home lol dont wanna freeze my butt off like some ppl out there anyway its getting soooo cold here too and i'm literally living in my leggings rn

omg u guys i cant even... this new york city is literally freezing my heart idk how people can survive this kind of weather without losing a limb or two... i heard about that poor old lady who died in her backyard like what happened to her?! and now the mayor is warning everyone to look out for their neighbors esp the homeless ppl they gotta be so careful especially with those pipes freezing and cars not starting anyway i hope everyone stays safe and warm ️

man it's crazy how harsh the weather is hitting nyc right now ... i mean 10 lives lost already? that's just devastating. i feel bad for all those homeless folks who are struggling to stay warm. the city is trying to help, but it's a big problem to tackle. and what's with the pipes freezing left and right? like, i get it we're in the middle of winter and all, but can't we just have a decent warm spell already? i hope everyone stays safe out there...