Attorney General James Warns New Yorkers About Price Gouging Ahead of Winter Storm

New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert warning New York consumers and businesses about price gouging ahead of another winter storm expected to impact the state in the coming days. Governor Hochul has declared a state of emergency across the state. New York’s price gouging law prevents businesses from taking advantage of consumers by selling essential goods or services at excessively higher prices during market disruptions or emergencies. Attorney General James is urging New Yorkers who see higher prices on essential goods and services to file complaints with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

“Winter weather is no excuse for price gouging,” said Attorney General James. “As New Yorkers prepare for another snowstorm, my office is on the lookout for those trying to take advantage of consumers with excessive price hikes. I encourage everyone to be vigilant and report examples of price gouging in their community to my office.” 

New York law prohibits businesses from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price during emergencies. The price gouging law covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. These goods and services include food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options.

When reporting price gouging to OAG, consumers should:

• Report the specific increased prices, dates, and places that they saw the increased prices; and
• Provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.

Price gouging violations can carry penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755. 

MAMDANI ADMINISTRATION SHARES CITY’S WEEKEND SNOW RESPONSE PLAN

 

City enters Code Blue and 2,600+ sanitation workers will be working each 12-hour shift to keep New Yorkers safe during blizzard  

  

Over 1,000 emergency snow shovelers to be employed during active snowfall, a far larger and earlier deployment than in prior storms  

TODAY, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the City’s efforts to prepare for Sunday's winter weather conditions. The city is officially in a blizzard warning, with weather forecasts estimating 15 to 19 inches of snow total and the possibility of up to nearly two feet. Dangerous, sustained winds at 25 to 40 miles per hour, with frequent gusts reaching 55 mph are expected.   

  

“Our city doesn’t wait for a crisis to act — we organize, we prepare, and we take care of each other. As this snowstorm approaches, our administration is mobilizing every resource available to keep New Yorkers safe, informed, and warm,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Our agencies will be here plowing streets, salting roads, and opening warming centers in every borough because public safety is a public responsibility. I’m urging all New Yorkers to look out for yourselves and your neighbors: stay home if you can, stay safe, and stay connected through Notify NYC for real-time updates.”  

  

New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system, available in 14 languages including ASL. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can sign up to receive phone calls, text messages and email alerts about severe weather events and emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, text “NotifyNYC” to 692-692, visit nyc.gov/notify or follow @NotifyNYC on social media.  

  

Safety Tips:  

•   Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications online or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on social media.  

•   Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation.  

•    If you must drive, use extra caution. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.  

•    Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.  

•   Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they stop less quickly than other vehicles.  

•   Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.  

•    Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.  

•   Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.  

•    Outdoor workers, such as those in construction and utilities, face risks from cold-related health impacts. Employers should implement safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on recognizing cold-related disorders, prevention strategies, and proper treatment.  

•   Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.  

  

Snowstorm Response   

  

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, New York City’s Emergency Management (NYCEM) agency activated the city’s Winter Weather Emergency Plan and on Saturday afternoon, placed the city under a Hazardous Travel Advisory. The Mamdani administration has already started pre-snow operations: 700 salt spreaders and thousands of plows are being prepared so crews can clear snow across the five boroughs beginning on Sunday and hundreds of pieces of outside equipment have been hired through existing city contracts to assist with snow clearing.  

  

As the snow begins to fall Sunday morning, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will move to 12-hour shifts, with over 2,600 workers on each shift to keep our streets clear. The city will deploy over 1,000 emergency shovelers beginning Sunday night with additional shoveler registration allowed on a walk-in basis without appointment. While sidewalks are the responsibility of property owners, DSNY has expanded geocoded tracking of bus stops, crosswalks, pedestrian ramps and unsheltered bus stops. New Yorkers will be able to monitor their work in real time via our plow tracker at NYC.gov/plowNYC.  

  

Due to the forecast, the mayor is advising New Yorkers to stay off the sidewalks and roads as much as possible. Snowfall is expected to melt, then refreeze, resulting in icy sidewalks and slick conditions.  

  

The City’s response will span multiple agencies, including NYCEM, DSNY, the Department of Transportation, the Parks Department, New York Police Department and others. NYCEM’s full Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with city, state and utility partners will be activated at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning and continue through Monday.   

  

Additionally, the NYPD is pre-staging tow trucks on highways and bridges, in case of transportation problems. The FDNY is increasing ambulance staffing and engine companies will be carrying a fifth firefighter beginning Sunday. FDNY is also proactively planning to clear hydrants on Monday morning, after a primary pass by Sunday’s snow clearing teams.   

  

Housing, Shelters and Warming Centers  

•   Homeless outreach teams that operate 24/7 across the city all year round will expand their efforts and the City is in continuous Code Blue operation starting Saturday afternoon through Tuesday morning, with the homeless outreach cadence increasing to every two hours and 311 calls for assistance being routed to 911.  

•   Twenty-two warming buses will be deployed during the snowstorm. In addition, there will be 11 warming spaces located at NYC Health + Hospitals, as well as 13 school locations. For most up-to-date information on warming center locations, New Yorkers should contact 311 or visit a LinkNYC kiosk.  

•   The two OnPoint Overdose Prevention Centers will be open overnight through the blizzard.  

•   NYC Health + Hospitals will also be deploying WARM ambulettes. This mobile warming outreach initiative will provide clinical consultations, as well as distribute essential supplies including blankets, warm clothing, socks, warm meals and water.  

•   All shelters have an open-door policy during Enhanced Cold Blue, which means any New Yorker can take advantage of the services provided at any time.   

•   The city has directed all hospitals to exercise heightened caution when discharging patients, particularly vulnerable patients, during the cold weather. The City has also directed shelters and safe havens to monitor the areas around their buildings for any New Yorkers in need and encourage them to come indoors.  

•   NYCHA has mobilized additional resources for this weekend, including extra teams deployed across elevator, heat and other technical teams for any skill trade repairs that may arise. NYCHA also has generators on standby that can be mobilized if needed.  

•   NYCHA residents in need of non-emergency assistance should call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or submit work tickets through the MyNYCHA application.  

•   HPD is increasing staffing levels to respond to heat and hot water complaints through this weather emergency to support storm response efforts.  

•   If New Yorkers have issues with the heat or hot water in their apartment, they should call their landlord. If they do not quickly respond, tenants should call 311 and a uniformed HPD inspector will come, conduct an inspection, issue violations and if warranted, coordinate emergency repairs.  

 

Flooding Preparedness  

  

NYCEM recommends the following preparedness actions for New Yorkers for those in coastal flood-prone regions and low-lying areas:  

•   Relocate parked vehicles to higher ground or inland, ensuring they do not obstruct roadways or block emergency access.   

•   Communication and Information: Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts through various channels, including Notify NYC, available in 13 different languages, with a special sub-group dedicated to Basement Apartment Dwellers. Subscribe to Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app in your phone's app store, or dial 311. Keep a battery-powered radio ready for timely updates, particularly if power outages are expected.    

•   Gather Supplies: Every household member should have a Go Bag packed with essential items, such as bottled water, non-perishable food and basic medical supplies.   

•   Tidal Awareness and Coastal Barriers: Monitor tide tables and storm surge forecasts. Know when high tides are expected in your vicinity and be prepared to adjust your plans. Where feasible, deploy sandbags or other deployables suitable for a residence to reduce the risk of tidal water intrusion.   

•   Watercraft and Boat Security: If you own boats or watercraft, secure or relocate them immediately. Fluctuating tides can not only carry them away but loose watercraft can cause additional damage.   

•   Storm Drains and Local Warnings: If it's safe to do so, check and clear any nearby storm drains to help manage water runoff and lessen the chances of localized flooding. Pay attention to localized warnings, especially those pertaining to rip currents and high waves.   

•   Home Safety and Utility Measures: Ensure your home's pumps are operational and familiarize yourself with how to safely shut off utilities like gas, water and electricity. If you reside in a basement or below-grade apartment, be particularly vigilant, as these areas are more susceptible to flooding. Follow City guidance for additional actions specific to below-grade dwellings. Subscribe to Notify NYC’s Basement Apartment Dweller subgroup for key alerts.   

•   Document & Insurance Review: Secure essential documents in waterproof containers and maintain digital backups. Review your insurance to ensure you have specialized flood coverage, as standard policies often don't cover flood and wind damage. Consider enrolling in the National Flood Insurance Program. Learn more at floodsmart.gov.  

•   Prepare for Outages: To gear up for potential power disruptions, keep your cell phones charged, stock up on supplies. If power outages are predicted, consider adjusting your refrigerator and freezer to colder settings to extend the shelf life of perishable items. Ensure that flashlights and battery-operated radios or TVs are functional, keeping extra batteries on hand. If you rely on Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and lose power, dial 911 for immediate assistance, and remember never to use generators indoors. Check on vulnerable individuals in your community, such as older adults and people with disabilities or health conditions, and assist them in their preparations.   

•   Pet Safety: Make provisions for your pets' safety, including the need to leave your home and to take your pet with you.   

•   Plan for Special Needs & Check on Your Neighbors: Make it a point to check on neighbors who are older adults or who may require special assistance. If you have a disability or specific access and functional needs, make sure your emergency plan accounts for how these factors could impact your ability to respond quickly and communicate effectively during a crisis. Seek assistance from your family or service providers as needed.   

•   Avoidance and Caution: Do not venture into flooded areas. These zones may be contaminated or electrically charged. Take preemptive action by assembling a Go Bag with essentials like food, water and first-aid supplies.   

•   Documentation: When it's safe, contribute to our collective flood risk understanding by capturing and submitting photos via the MyCoast portal (mycoast.org/ny) or the MyCoast app. Don't forget to also file flood reports through 311.    

•   Real-Time Awareness: Stay updated on changing flood conditions by monitoring real-time flood depth via the FloodNet website (floodnet.nyc).  

  

Other Agency and Partner Updates and Procedures:   

  

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS):  

•   A decision regarding public schools on Monday will be announced by 12 p.m. Sunday, at which time students, families and teachers will be informed if schools will operate in person.  

•   In preparation, teams are working with IT vendors to conduct load testing to ensure systems are fully ready. DIIT recently completed load testing for up to 1.2 million logins as of Monday. Families can access technical support through the Service Desk at 718-935-5100 (Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.) or via the SupportHub Online Portal at supporthub.schools.nyc  

•   Students will be supported with the tools they need for a successful remote day, in close coordination with school-based teams to ensure a smooth transition if needed.  

•   NYCPS facilities teams are working around the clock this weekend to shovel and de-ice school buildings, ensure adequate heating and backup power protocols are in place, and confirm emergency supplies are ready.  

•   Clear and consistent communication with families remains a priority, with updates being shared in all NYCPS languages through letters, emails, SMS messages, social media, robocalls and website postings.  

  

Department of Transportation (DOT):   

•   Alternate Side Parking is suspended for Monday; parking meters are still in effect.  

•    The agency will support DSNY’s snow removal efforts.  

•   For this weekend’s storm, Mayor Mamdani directed the Department of Transportation to collaborate with DSNY to address the “ridge,” or the bulwark of snow that appears after plowing, blocking off sidewalks and parking lanes.  

•   DOT will remain in communication with JCDecaux—the vendor that removes snow at bus stops that feature shelters—and Lyft, which is responsible for snow removal at CitiBike stations. Lyft has committed to greatly expand the number of CitiBike station snow-clearing crews, expediting their snow removal efforts.   

  

Con Edison:  

•   Con Edison is mobilizing crews across New York City and Westchester County ahead of the approaching Nor’easter.   

•   Crews are ready to respond swiftly and safely to any weather-related service issues or outages that can result when road salt mixes with melting snow. There is additional staffing of Con Ed crews in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx to maintain service of our underground system.  They have secured underground mutual aid contractors to assist as well in Brooklyn and Queens.  

•   Each of the operating regions will have around the clock ICS coverage beginning Sunday at 6 p.m. and through Monday.  

•   Con Edison remains in close coordination with New York City Emergency Management and the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services to support a unified response.   

•   Con Edison has opened a Situation Room and are holding twice a day calls to stay coordinated.  

•   The company urges the public to prioritize safety by staying clear of downed wires, which may be live, and reporting them immediately to Con Edison or by calling 911.  

•   Customers can report outages and check restoration updates at conEd.com, through the Con Edison mobile app, or by calling 1‑800‑75‑CONED (1‑800‑752‑6633).  

  

Public Libraries:   

•   All three systems—New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public will be closed tomorrow.  

•   A decision regarding Monday’s operations will be made and communicated on Sunday.  

Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency as Blizzard is Set to Hit Long Island, New York City and Lower Hudson Valley

State of Emergency Declared for Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Greene, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and Contiguous Counties

Blizzard Warning Issued for Long Island, New York City and Southern Westchester County; Winter Storm Warnings and Watches Issued for Rest of Hudson Valley

18-24 Inches of Snow Forecast for Long Island and New York City; 12-18 Inches Forecast for the Hudson Valley; 8-12 Inches Forecast for the Capital Region; Widespread 1-6 Inches Forecast for Rest of State

Wind Gusts Have Potential to Reach 60 MPH, Which Could Lead to Whiteout or Even Blizzard-Like Conditions Making Travel Dangerous, Especially in New York City and on Long Island

Governor Activates 100 Members of the National Guard To Support Response Operations and Local Partners Across New York City, Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley

Strong Winds Paired With Wet, Heavy Snow Could Also Lead to Power Outages

More Than 5,600 Utility Workers on Standby Across the State to Engage in Damage Assessment, Response, Repair, and Restoration Efforts

New Yorkers Throughout Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley Should Avoid Travel Sunday Through Monday and Stay Home; Employers Encouraged To Allow for Remote Work

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a State of Emergency in Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Greene, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and contiguous counties, and activated the New York National Guard as a blizzard is forecast to hit the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island, and severe winter weather conditions are expected throughout the rest of the Hudson Valley. Forecasts rapidly worsened Friday night and now indicate 18 to 24 inches of snow with winds potentially gusting at over 60 mph for Long Island and New York City. The Hudson Valley is forecast to see 12 to 18 inches of snow, while the Capital Region could see eight to 12 inches. Other areas statewide will see totals from one to six inches of snow. These blizzard conditions will create extremely dangerous travel conditions, coastal flooding and the potential for power outages.

Beginning Sunday, 100 members of the New York National Guard with 25 vehicles will be staged across the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island to support Downstate response operations and local partners. Additionally, the State Emergency Operations Center will activate beginning Sunday morning.

“New Yorkers are no strangers to snow and cold weather, but these blizzard-like conditions approaching New York City, Long Island and the lower Mid-Hudson will bring heavy snow and strong winds, with the storm forecasted to impact much of our state,” Governor Hochul said. “As with every weather event, our state agencies are equipped with the resources they need to respond to the developing storm and keep everyone informed. I encourage everyone to take action, stay vigilant and always monitor your local forecast for real-time updates.”

Severe winter weather conditions also are expected throughout the rest of the Hudson Valley, with Winter Storm Warnings already in effect for Northern Westchester, Rockland, Orange and Putnam counties, with between 10 and 15 inches of snow and winds gusting up to 45 mph expected. Winter Storm Watches are in effect for Dutchess, Ulster, Greene and Columbia Counties with six to 12 inches of snow expected with winds gusting up to 45 mph.

New Yorkers should take this storm seriously, prepare now, closely monitor local forecasts and stay home throughout the duration of the storm. On Monday, Long Island Rail Road plans to operate on a Sunday schedule with modifications as necessitated by evolving weather conditions. Metro-North Railroad will run hourly service on the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven lines and weekend service on the Connecticut and Wassaic branches. Subway service changes and delays are expected overnight Sunday into Monday, as express tracks are used to store trains underground during heavy snowfall

All empty commercial vehicles and all tandem tractor trailers will be banned from travel on I-84 and all roads south of I-84, including all Thruway system roads. All other commercial vehicles will be restricted to the right lane on I-84 and all roadways south of I-84, including all Thruway system roads in Orange, Rockland, and Westchester counties. These restrictions will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, February 22, and end when conditions allow.

The National Weather Service has already begun to issue Winter Storm Watches and New Yorkers should closely monitor their local forecasts and watch for updates issued by the National Weather Service. View a complete listing of weather watches, warnings and other alerts here.

New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones, and register for real-time weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

• Monitor the forecast for your local area and areas you may be travelling to.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cellphone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit.
• Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, to safely clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions.
• Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it's operating.

Power Outage Safety Tips

• Do not go near or touch fallen or sagging power lines: treat all wires as live and dangerous. Keep children and pets away from fallen electric wires. Never touch any lines or any items that are in contact with lines.
• Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• If heat goes out during a storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

To Report an Electric Outage, Call:

Central Hudson: Electric: 800-527-2714 or Gas: 800-942-8274

Con Ed: Electric: 800-752-6633 or Gas: 800-752-6633

Corning Gas: 800-834-2134

Liberty Utilities (St. Lawrence Gas) Corp.: 800-673- 3301

National Fuel Gas: 1-800-444-3130

National Grid:

• Electric: 800-867-5222
• Long Island (gas): 1-800-490-0045
• Metro NYC (gas): 1-718-643-4050
• Upstate (gas): 1-800-892-2345

NYSEG: Electric: 800-572-1131 or Gas: 800-572-1121

O&R: Electric: 877-434-4100 or Gas: 800-533-5325

PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075

RG&E: Electric: 800-743-1701 or Gas: 800-743-1702

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - Blizzard Warning in NYC

 

Note: Due to inclement weather, our Hunts Point office will be closed for in-person services on Monday, February 23. Staff will continue to answer phones and respond to constituent requests remotely. Please call 718-662-5970 if you need assistance from our office.   

Winter Weather Advisory

Heavy snow and frigid temperatures are expected in the NYC area this weekend into early next week. New Yorkers are urged to follow trusted news and weather sources, including emergency alerts from Notify NYC, and to prepare for hazardous winter conditions ahead of time.  

As of 02-21-2026, the National Weather Service has issued the following: 

What: Blizzard Warning 

Where: New York City  

When: From 1 PM Sunday, February 22nd to 6 PM EST Monday, February 23, 2026. 

Hazards: 13 to 18 inches of snow are expected to cause significant travel difficulties. Roads may be dangerous. Stay inside if possible. 

What can you do to prepare? 

Stay updated on forecasts and alerts from the National Weather Service and Notify NYC. 

Plan ahead for travel impacts. Conditions may worsen through the weekend and into Monday. 

Dress warmly and limit time outdoors when possible. 

If you must travel, allow extra time and be cautious of snow-covered or icy surfaces. 

Contact 311 if you see unhoused people who may be vulnerable to the freezing weather. Outreach teams can help connect them to shelter.  

Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn. FDNY guidelines say space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet, without extension cords or power strips, and should be turned off or unplugged when unattended. 

NYCHA residents experiencing any heating issues should call the Customer Contact Center at (CCC) 718-707-7771 to create a work order.  

Before an Outage 

Charge cell phones 

Gather supplies 

Turn the refrigerator/freezers to a colder setting 

During an Outage 

Stay clear of downed power lines 

Turn off all appliances 

Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed to prevent food spoilage 

Do not use generators indoors 

If you have a disability/access needs, or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911. 

Warming Centers 

NYC’s warming centers will be open to anyone that needs them, and all warming spaces have food and durable medical equipment, such as medical monitors, mobility aids, and respiratory devices. 

Find a Warming Center

For the latest updates, visit NYCEM’s website, sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or call 311. For weather information, please visit www.weather.gov/okx.  

In Service, 

The Office of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez