Mayor Mamdani Visits Snow Melting Location, Updates New Yorkers on Snow Removal Operations

 

Thousands of City workers deployed each shift to clear crosswalks, bus stops, and bike lanes 

 

City melted 23 million pounds of snow and used 116 million pounds of salt  

 

*** Watch Video Here *** 

Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited a Department of Sanitation (DSNY) snow-melting site yesterday morning to provide an update on the City’s response to this weekend’s winter storm, which brought as much as 15 inches of snow to some parts of New York City.  

 

"Across all five boroughs, we’ve melted 23 million pounds of snow using eight snow-melting sites. Every 12-hour shift, 2,500 sanitation workers are out there clearing bus stops, crosswalks, hydrants, and other critical infrastructure," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “These are tough conditions, and these workers are doing essential work to keep this city moving."

 

Mamdani said the city is expanding its response to meet the ongoing challenges posed by freezing temperatures.

 

“There is still more work to do,” Mamdani said. “That’s why we are bringing in hundreds more city workers from outside the Sanitation Department, extending shifts and deploying emergency equipment to get this done faster and safer.” 

 

How the City is Keeping Our Streets Clear:  

 

DSNY has deployed approximately 2,500 sanitation workers per shift. To speed recovery, the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Transportation and Citywide Administrative Services are assisting sanitation crews. The city has also contracted roughly 500 emergency snow shovelers per day over the past three days. In addition, 100 sanitation workers are operating specialized vehicles, to break up and remove snow ridges that remain frozen due to prolonged cold. 

 

Despite challenging conditions, City workers have cleared more than 13,876 crosswalks, 12,696 bus stops, and 4,486 fire hydrants. Operations continue around the clock. The City has used 116 million pounds of salt to keep roads safe and passable, and, since Tuesday, melted 23 million pounds of snow. Yesterday, eight snow-melting locations – at least one in every borough – were activated to further support snow removal operations.  

 

Thanks to the tireless work of City workers, the City shoveled 100% of bus stops with shelters across the City in the past few days.  However, City workers are still out on the streets, working tirelessly to ensure streets remain cleared.  

 

Here’s What We Are Asking of New Yorkers:  

 

Keeping streets safe is a shared responsibility. Property owners are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their buildings. Snow may be placed at the building line or the curbline but not in the street, where it obstructs snow removal operations.  

 

Violations will continue to be issued for property owners who fail to comply. Snow or ice conditions on sidewalks can be reported by calling 311.  

 

The Mayor urged New Yorkers to remain vigilant as cleanup efforts continue. 

VCJC News & Notes 1/30/2026

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Reminders

1. Shabbos schedule
   
   
   Because of the predicted cold temperatures, we will not hold services on this Shabbos morning.  Stay safe and stay warm!

   
   

   
   

   Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar.
   Here are the times you need:  
   Shabbos Candles Friday 1/30/26 @ 4:53 pm
   
   
   Shabbos Ends Saturday 1/31/26 @ 5:57 pm

   If you require an aliyah or would like to lead services, read from the torah or haftorah please speak to one of the gabbaim.

   
   

   This week’s kiddush would have been another wonderful time. Come join us for services and stay to enjoy the kiddush and the company when the weather cooperates.

   
   

2. Interested in learning torah with a group of fellow members of your community?

   Want more details?

   Contact the VCJC office at 718-884-6105 or info@vcjewishcenter.org

   Or you can speak to Stuart Harris or Matthew Hartstein after davening on Shabbat morning.

   
   

3. About our new kiddushim
   For the past several weeks, the VCJC has upgraded its kiddush after Shabbos services. Kiddush now takes place in the ballroom. There is a greater variety of food, which can be enjoyed while seated at covered tables. Our aim is to offer a more enjoyable and meaningful experience, and to encourage conversation and interaction among attendees. This is an evolving effort. It has received very positive reviews so far; we’d love to have your opinion as well. Please join us for services and kiddush, and let us know what you think!
   
   

4. Shabbos parsha

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Parashat Beshalach 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת בְּשַׁלַּח

   31 January 2026 / 13 Sh’vat 5786

   Parashat Beshalach is the 16th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading.

   Torah Portion: Exodus 13:17-17:16

   Beshalach (“When He Let Go”) describes the splitting of the Red Sea and the song the Israelites sing upon crossing through. In the desert, God sweetens bitter water and provides manna and quail. The portion ends recounting the victory of the Israelites against an attack by the Amalekites. [1]

   
   

5. Next Shabbos we will celebrate Tu B’Shevat - POSTPONED
   We will do this the next time we can have a safe Shabbos service. Join us then and enjoy a celebratory post-services kiddush!

6. You can do it! Give VCJC a boost!  Leave a (positive) review for us on Google
   You can do this!  We know you can!

   The VCJC is working to build and grow for its next century in Van Cortlandt Village.  If you have had a good experience with us or recognize our value to the community, please consider telling the world about it.  Go to our Google Business Profile and leave a review.  Thanks!
   

7. Save the date, Feb 22 for a Master Class "Finding a Haven Within"
   Sunday February 22, 12PM

   RSVP By 2/18/26: call the office (718) 884-6105 or email info@vcjewishcenter.org

   
   
   Suggested fee is $15.00. If you have a mat, bring it. If not, we have a few.
   
   
   In the swiftly moving, ever-changing world we live in today, you can find a quiet, safe, and secure haven in which there is peace, deep relaxation, and inner joy. This is what we offer you in an easy yoga-based stretching, soft meditation, and guided systematic deep relaxation class. The results can be more effective and dramatic than you might expect. Students have had a profound effect in the increased level of their grades.  

   It is based on Prof. Barbara Kitai's 37 years of teaching this system to college academics, corporate executives, athletes, students, children, and adults of all backgrounds.

   The class consists of an introduction explaining the purpose and theory, 15 minutes of easy yoga-based stretching, and a cool down, 15 minutes of breathing techniques, meditation, 20 minutes of excellent guided relaxation throughout the body & mind, and 10-15 minutes  (time allowing) for a creative writing of self-reflection and awareness.
   

8. Please help with information about buildings

   As part of rebuilding the membership and congregation, the Board of Trustees would like your help. There are a lot of either new or renovated buildings being put up in our catchment area. We would like to seek the cooperation of the owners / developers of those properties in publicizing these opportunities to live near an orthodox synagogue.  If you are aware of any of these buildings, please provide what information you can about them.  This could include the address, any contact information that might be posted, and any information about the building itself (size, type, etc.). Additionally, if you are aware of vacancies in existing buildings or of houses for sale, please let us know about that as well.

Our mailing address is:
Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
3880 Sedgwick Ave

Bronx, NY 10463 

Four Queens-Based Sex Traffickers Sentenced to Between 25 and 35 Years in Custody

 

Four Members of Queens-Based Family Prostitution Business Sentenced after Being Convicted in Connection with a Sex Trafficking and Police Bribery Scheme

In federal court in Brooklyn, Blanca Hernandez Morales was sentenced to 35 years in prison by United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall for sex trafficking minors using force, fraud, and coercion, among other crimes.  In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge DeArcy Hall ordered Hernandez Morales to pay restitution of $179,300.  Hernandez Morales was the final of four co-defendants who went to trial in October 2023 on various charges, including sex trafficking, to be sentenced.  Her co-defendants and family members Roberto Cesar Cid Dominguez, Luz Cardona, and Jose Facundo Zarate Morales were each previously sentenced to 375 months, 325 months, and 300 months, respectively.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York) announced the sentences.

“This sentence holds the defendants accountable for their decade-long exploitation of young women and minors and is a reckoning for the perpetrators of these deplorable crimes,” stated United States Attorney Joseph Nocella.  “It is our hope that these extensive prison sentences bring some measure of comfort to the victims in this case.”

Mr. Nocella also expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department and the Putnam County Sherriff’s Office for their work on the case.

“This family orchestrated an international sex trafficking operation to route vulnerable victims, including minors, from Mexico into the United States to commit sexual acts. For more than a decade, these defendants lured young girls across the border with the enticement of the American dream before ensnaring them into a life of sexual servitude. May today’s lengthy prison sentences highlight the FBI’s intolerance of those who seek to profit from the sexual abuse and exploitation of others,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

“This sentencing brings a conclusive end to the yearslong, unimaginable exploitation and abuse of young women and minors.  No person should ever be exposed to the dehumanizing atrocities these victims suffered at the hands of their own common-law and blood relatives. HSI New York will never forget the strength of those who bravely came forward and we owe the successful resolution of this case to their courage and willingness to speak out,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.

As proven at trial, since approximately 2002, the defendants, all of whom are related by blood or common-law marriage, participated in a sex-trafficking organization (the Cid-Hernandez Sex Trafficking Organization) that used force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to cause young women and minor girls from Mexico to engage in prostitution in the United States.  Members of the organization pressured the victims, including two minor victims, to travel to the United States with false promises of employment and a better life.  When the young girls arrived in New York, they were forced by the defendants to work in prostitution.

During the trial, one victim testified that she was 15 years-old and living in Mexico in 2007 when Cardona, her aunt, offered to pay travel expenses to New York City where the teen could work as a cleaner.  The victim did not know that Cardona, along with her partner Zarate Morales, his mother Hernandez Morales, and her partner Cid Dominguez, were operating a prostitution business.  After the victim arrived in Queens, Cardona and Zarate Morales brokered a deal with a client to sell the victim’s virginity.  Thereafter the teenage victim was forced to engage in commercial sex with 20 or more men daily.

Although the Cid-Hernandez Sex Trafficking Organization was based in Queens, young women and minor girls were transported to prostitution clients throughout New York State and Connecticut.  The organization controlled “routes,” which were comprised of contact lists of potential clients in specific areas and employed individuals who served as drivers.

Cid Dominguez also bribed Village of Brewster Police Officer Wayne Peiffer with free sexual services to ensure the organization’s protection from law enforcement in his jurisdiction.  Peiffer pleaded guilty in April 2022 to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion and was sentenced to 36 months in custody.   

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR KILLING PREGNANT WOMAN IN 1996

 

DNA Found Under Victim’s Fingernails Matched to Defendant in 2022 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for first-degree Manslaughter for the 1996 fatal strangling of a pregnant woman. 

District Attorney Clark said, “Three decades ago the defendant carried out a horrific attack on a pregnant woman with her 5-year-old son forced to bear witness. After a relentless pursuit of justice including advancements in DNA, her killer is being held accountable and there is some solace for her child.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Gregory Fleetwood, 69, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter on December 10, 2025. 

According to the investigation, on February 5, 1996, inside of 1706 Davidson Avenue in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx, the defendant choked Jasmine Porter, 36, to death in her apartment in front of her 5-year-old son. The boy was left alone with his mother’s body for two days before it was found. DNA was found under the victim’s fingernails. After advancements in forensic technology the fingernails were tested and matched Fleetwood’s DNA which was in the database because he had served time in prison for strangling a pregnant woman in 1987.

District Attorney Clark thanked retired NYPD Lieutenant Sean O’ Toole and retired NYPD Detective Robert Klein of Bronx Homicide, and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner Forensic Biology Department for their work in the investigation.

Perpetrator Of Nationwide Sports And Pokémon Trading Card Fraud Convicted

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that a jury found ANTHONY CURCIO guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud for engaging in a scheme to defraud customers by selling them sports and Pokémon trading cards with fake grades purportedly issued by Professional Sports Authenticator (“PSA”).  CURCIO was found guilty following a two-and-a-half-week trial before U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams.    

“Millions of Americans participate in our collectibles markets, and they should be free from fraud and manipulations,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Anthony Curcio now faces years in prison, and his conviction is a cautionary tale for those who would abuse the collectibles markets.  Our Office is dedicated to ensuring that markets of all kinds, including collectibles markets, are safe from fraudsters.  Anthony Curcio tried to cover his tracks and hide what he had done, but thanks to our law enforcement partners and the many victims who came forward, he has now been convicted of serious federal crimes.” 

According to the Indictment, public court filings, and the evidence presented at trial:

From at least 2022 to May 2024, CURCIO and IOSIF BONDARCHUK sold and attempted to sell sports and Pokémon trading cards to many victims across the country with authenticity and condition grades purportedly issued by PSA, but which had been forged by CURCIO.  CURCIO directed the scheme and used BONDARCHUK as a front man to interact with victims and list cards for sale on online marketplaces and auction sites.  CURCIO and BONDARCHUK sold and attempted to sell trading cards with counterfeit grades for thousands of dollars, and sometimes up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, each, when the cards were actually worth only a small fraction of those sums. In total, CURCIO and BONDARCHUK attempted to deprive victims of over $2 million through their sales and attempted sales by misrepresenting the grade of numerous trading cards.

Sports and Pokémon trading cards can have considerable resale value depending on, among other things, their condition and authenticity.  PSA is a leader in the card collectibles authentication industry.  For a fee, PSA verifies a card’s authenticity and assesses its condition, assigning a numerical grade from one to 10, with one being the lowest grade and 10 being the highest.  After grading a card, PSA seals the card in a distinctive, tamper-resistant plastic case that encloses the card to preserve its condition and indicates its grade on a label inside the case.  PSA also assigns a unique certification number—or serial number—to each card it grades, which collectors can then look up in PSA’s public database to find out information about the card and confirm that PSA had in fact graded that card.  A PSA grade can have a significant impact on a card’s market value, at times increasing the value of the card merely as a result of having been authenticated and graded.  And cards with higher grades can sell for considerably more than cards with lower grades, sometimes by multiples.

CURCIO’s scheme focused on selling vintage rookie sports cards—particularly Michael Jordan rookie cards—and Pokémon cards that would sell for thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars if they had received a PSA 9 or 10 grade. CURCIO sold ungraded or lower-graded cards for more than they were worth by cleaning the rating and serial numbers off of real PSA labels and then printing fake 9 or 10 grades and new serial numbers on the PSA labels. 

CURCIO and BONDARCHUK sold the trading cards with fake PSA grades on different online marketplaces and auction sites, such as eBay, as well as in person at card shops, card shows, and in-person trades with victims.  In addition to using BONDARCHUK as a front, CURCIO used other fake identities to hide his role from victims, PSA, and law enforcement.  At times, CURCIO was confronted by buyers when they realized the rare, highly graded cards they had paid thousands of dollars for were fraudulent; CURCIO refunded the buyers, took back the cards, and then sold them again to new victims.  CURCIO even tried to pass off one Michael Jordan rookie card three times, each time with a different forged grade. 

CURCIO, 45, of Redmond, Washington, was convicted at trial of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.  BONDARCHUK, 38, of Lake Stevens, Washington, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.  Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Former Government Official Pleads Guilty to Bribery Conspiracy

 

A former General Services Administration (GSA) contracting officer’s representative pleaded guilty for his role in agreeing to accept bribes from construction companies.

Lennie Lamont Miller, 60, of Brandywine, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Christopher Brackins, 52, of Mt. Airy, Maryland, and James Tillman, 58, of Washington, DC, to direct GSA subcontracting work to construction companies owned by Brackins and Tillman. GSA is a federal agency that manages federal properties.

According to court filings, between 2018 and 2021, Miller solicited and received cash and other things of value in exchange for exercising his authority over the GSA contracting process to direct work to his co-conspirators’ companies.  In total, Miller received more than $100,000 in cash and other things of value, including a sports car.

Miller pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to bribe a federal official and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has not been set.

Tillman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a federal public official and bribery in February 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2026. Brackins pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a federal public official, wire fraud, and unlawful possession of a machine gun in April 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 6, 2026.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland made the announcement.

The FBI Baltimore Field Office, GSA Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.

Attorney General James and State Police Superintendent James Announce Convictions in Washington County Contractor Fraud Scheme

 

John McClure Sentenced to Five to 15 Years in Prison; His Wife Sarah Chambers Sentenced to Six Months in County Jail

McClure and Chambers Ordered to Pay Victim Homeowners Over $890,000

New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James announced the conviction and sentencing of John McClure, 45, and his wife, Sarah Chambers, 38, of Granville, Washington County, for Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree for operating a massive contractor fraud scheme and defrauding more than a dozen upstate homeowners out of over $1.5 million. McClure was sentenced to five to 15 years in state prison, and Chambers was sentenced to six months in jail and five years’ probation. As part of their sentencings, McClure and Chambers agreed to judgments in favor of victim homeowners totaling over $890,000. 

“Fraud of any kind is unacceptable, but it is even more disgraceful when it comes at the expense of hard-working New York homeowners,” said Attorney General James. “McClure and his wife defrauded dozens of homeowners out of over $1.5 million for services that were never performed and instead spent the money on themselves at casinos and to purchase vehicles. I thank the New York State Police and our partners in law enforcement for their work to secure these convictions and their continued collaboration in ensuring all those who prey on New Yorkers will be held accountable.”

“Strong and dedicated interagency partnerships have led to the indictment of two individuals who preyed on innocent customers, diverting funds for their personal use,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “Cheating homeowners out of their hard-earned money and carrying out dishonest business practices will not be tolerated in New York state. I commend our State Police members and partners at the Attorney General’s Office for their commitment to investigating those who deceive the unsuspecting public.”

These convictions are the result of a joint investigation by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau (CEFC) and NYSP. The investigation revealed that between September 2019 and August 2023, McClure, while acting in concert with his wife, fraudulently obtained more than $1.5 million from over a dozen upstate New York homeowners. During that time, the defendants allegedly advertised contracting services — such as building and renovating homes, performing excavation work, and constructing garages, roofs, and decks — on Facebook, Google, Angie’s List, Porch.com, and other websites. McClure and his wife used variously named construction businesses, including McClure and Son Constructions, McClure and Sons Construction, JM Escavation (sic) and Demolition Services, and JM & Son Excavation and Demolition.

McClure solicited large amounts of deposit funds upfront for home improvement work but failed to perform the work, neglected to deliver materials he claimed to have purchased with the deposits, and refused to issue refunds to homeowners for unfinished work when requested. Work that was performed by McClure was often substandard and required repairs by other qualified contractors at additional cost to the homeowners.

A forensic audit conducted by OAG revealed that instead of using homeowners’ money to purchase materials or perform home improvements as required, McClure, aided by Chambers, used the money for:

• Personal expenses such as large cash withdrawals;
• Trips to multiple casinos including Saratoga Casino and Hotel in Saratoga Springs and Rivers Casino and Resort in Schenectady;
• Payments towards child support and his mother’s rent;
• Funding for the couple’s overstock/returned merchandise storefront known as MG Sales in the Aviation Mall in Glens Falls North;
• Purchases of multiple vehicles for McClure, Chambers, and other family members, including a 1927 Bugatti, a 1985 Lamborghini, a Toyota Sequoia, and a refurbished monster truck. 

Chambers participated in the scheme by serving as a false reference to homeowners for McClure and Sons Construction and filing business certificates in order to open business bank accounts to receive homeowner funds. Chambers held the business and accounts in her name to assist McClure in hiding his assets from judgment and other creditors. She later withdrew homeowner funds as cash at McClure’s request to be used for non-business purposes.

In November 2025, McClure pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Kelly S. McKeighan to one Count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree. McClure was sentenced today to a term of five to 15 years in state prison and entered judgments in favor of victim homeowners totaling $897,240.87. Also, in November 2025, McClure pleaded guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree in Warren County Court before the Honorable Robert A. Smith. McClure is expected to receive a concurrent sentence of two to six years in state prison. Sentencing in Warren County is scheduled for February 4, 2026. 

McClure’s co-defendant, Sarah Chambers, pleaded guilty in November 2025 before Judge McKeighan and was sentenced in December 2025 to six months in jail, five years of probation, and entered judgments in favor of victim homeowners totaling $308,059.25.

Attorney General James thanks the NYSP Financial Crimes Unit for their valuable assistance in this investigation. 

DHS Leads Historic, Nationwide Response as Winter Storm Slams 12 States at Once

 

In one of the most expansive and severe winter weather emergencies in recent history, a powerful storm system simultaneously impacted 12 states, triggering rapid federal action to protect American lives, infrastructure, and communities. At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem led an immediate, coordinated response funneling critical resources directly to states before, during, and after the storm to support governors and emergency managers as they worked around the clock to respond.

“Over the last year, this administration has transformed FEMA into a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers and supports state and local governments,” said Secretary Noem. “Through every stage of this winter storm, the new FEMA delivered results to American communities, leveraging interagency resources and working with state and local governments to solve problems and keep people safe.” 

Before the Storm

Last week, weather forecasts predicted that snow, freezing rain, and blistering cold temperatures would impact up to 33 U.S. states spanning from Massachusetts to Florida to New Mexico. Secretary Noem swiftly reached out to governors to ask them whether they anticipated needing additional resources. As the former governor of South Dakota, she understands the perils that severe winter weather can bring. Also last week, DHS approved $2.2 billion in public assistance funding for states across the country—many of which were impacted by this storm.

On Thursday, January 22, FEMA activated the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), a central hub where FEMA staff work side-by-side with specialized teams from more than 10 federal agencies to share information and make decisions quickly during a disaster. The NRCC staff immediately began working together to prepare for the storm, coordinate requests from states, and provide technical assistance. FEMA staged resources—including more than 300 generators, 7 million meals, 3 million liters of water, and over 650,000 blankets—at federal sites across the country to streamline potential state requests. FEMA also ensured that its 28 Urban Search and Rescue task forces were on standby to assist if needed.

On Friday, December 23, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator Karen Evans participated in a briefing call with emergency managers from every state predicted to be impacted by the storm and cold front. She assured them that FEMA was ready to support them with whatever they needed. She even gave out her personal cell phone number and invited them to call her directly if they were not seeing action quickly enough.

Before the storm, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator Evans also began regularly communicating with private companies in the energy sector through the Department of Energy. These critical partners who manage major pieces of the country’s infrastructure were grateful for the coordination, which continued through the storm and into the recovery period.

That same day, DHS and FEMA began sharing crucial, life-saving preparedness information with the American public, urging them to get ready for severe weather and extended power outages. Secretary Noem released a Public Service Announcement to encourage residents to stay alert, stay off the roads, and follow directions from local officials. FEMA developed specialized toolkits to help state and local government officials, first responder agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations further amplify preparedness messaging.

On Saturday, January 24, President Donald Trump approved 12 federal emergency declarations for Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These emergency declarations allow states to tap into federal support for lifesaving, life-sustaining resources. By approving these requests, President Trump directed FEMA to provide federal assistance to nearly 900 counties and parishes, and four Tribal Nations affected by the storm.

During the Storm

During the storm, the DHS Executive team embedded in the NRCC with FEMA. As the storm descended on Washington, D.C. and snow began to fall, FEMA, DHS, and the interagency apparatus continued to monitor the storm through the night. They were in constant contact with the FEMA Region Offices and the over 20 FEMA staff directly embedded in state emergency operations centers.

As the storm moved through the United States, Secretary Noem and her team received reports every thirty minutes and additional updates as needed in between. To ensure that no Americans were left behind, she insisted that FEMA notify her immediately of any unmet needs from states so that she could take action and direct additional resources. On January 25, the day of the storm, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visited the NRCC at FEMA Headquarters for a briefing on response efforts. Secretary Noem thanked FEMA staff for their dedication and shared her appreciation for their emergency management expertise.

After the Storm

As states assessed damage in real time like impassable roadways and widespread power outages, DHS and FEMA were already mobilizing resources and deploying teams to support recovery. For example:

• After the storm, Louisiana’s I-20 Interstate was blocked by snow, impeding first responders’ ability to get to the people who need them. Governor Landry and Louisiana's emergency management officials alerted the FEMA Region 6 office. Following the direction of Secretary Noem to promptly provide states with critical support to help them recover, FEMA staff brought the issue to the NRCC. In coordination with Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator Karen Evans, the team quickly connected with the Department of Transportation liaison who confirmed that their department could help. The next day, the Department of Transportation delivered sand and road-treatment resources to Louisiana, enabling the state to clear the road and continue critical work.
• The winter storm brought significant power outages to Mississippi and Tennessee. As the states sent out crews to restore power, their work was hindered by debris blocking roadways. The team followed Secretary Noem’s guidance to leverage all available federal resources and raised this problem to FEMA. FEMA staff connected with colleagues in the NRCC to find a quick solution consistent with instructions from FEMA’s Karen Evans, who oversaw the coordination. On January 28, three specialized “hotshot crews” from the U.S. Forest Service deployed to Mississippi and Tennessee to help remove debris, allowing linemen to reach impacted areas and restore power to homes across both states.

The NRCC remains staffed, operational, and ready to support state and local governments with any unmet needs.

Today, Louisiana Governor Landry visited the NRCC at FEMA HQ to meet with Karen S. Evans, the senior official performing the duties of the FEMA administrator, and the associate administrator of FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery Gregg Phillips. During this visit, he also received a briefing on ongoing operations and thanked FEMA staff for their support to Louisiana.

Although the storm is over, many Americans are still without power, many businesses are still struggling to re-open, and many communities are still working to recover. DHS and FEMA will continue to work closely with states to ensure they get what they need to continue moving forward.