When it snows in New York: the shoveling deadlines, parking, schools and the subway

• Snow stops 7 a.m. to 4:59 p.m. Clear within 4 hours
• Snow stops 5 p.m. to 8:59 p.m. Clear within 14 hours
• Snow stops 9 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. Clear by 11 a.m.
• Path width At least 4 feet
• Fines $100, $150, then $250

The shoveling clock

The clock starts when the snow stops, not when it starts. A storm that tapers off at 2 a.m. means a clear sidewalk by 11 a.m. that morning; one that ends at 6 p.m. gives you until 8 a.m. the next day.

The duty falls on building owners and occupants, for the sidewalk in front of the building. The path has to be at least four feet wide, and the snow and ice around fire hydrants and on the curb ramps and curb cuts next to the building have to go too. DSNY says not to shovel, blow or push any of it into the street. If ice will not come up, it says to spread salt or sand over it for traction. Fines run $100 for a first offense, $150 for a second and $250 for each one after that (checked October 2026).

Parking: alternate side goes, the meters stay

For storms the city suspends alternate side parking so the plows can work, and the meters keep running. DOT's notice for the January 2026 storm suspended the rules for Tuesday, January 27, and said payment at parking meters would remain in effect. The city's plan for the February 2026 blizzard said the same for that Monday. To get the alerts as they go out, text NotifyNYC to 692-692 or sign up at nyc.gov/notify.

Schools: remote, not a snow day

When the January 2026 storm closed school buildings on Monday, January 26, NYC Public Schools kept classes going online: its alert said schools would be in session remotely. Before the February blizzard, the city said the call for Monday would come by noon Sunday. Expect the same playbook this winter, and check schools.nyc.gov the night before.

The subway and buses

During the January 2026 storm the MTA warned that trains might run local on parts of express lines, and it pulled articulated buses, the long ones with the accordion middle, from service, which meant longer waits for local buses. The LIRR ran a weekend schedule and Metro-North a Saturday schedule with extra rush-hour trains. Service changes post on the MTA and TrainTime apps and at mta.info.

Tracking the plows

Once two inches or more have fallen, DSNY switches on PlowNYC at nyc.gov/plownyc, a map that tracks the plows close to real time and shows when one last went down your block.

Code Blue: when someone is out in the cold

The Department of Homeless Services issues a Code Blue when the temperature drops to 32 degrees or below, wind chill included, between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., according to City Limits. Shelters then take people who walk in without the usual intake process, and drop-in centers stay open to anyone. If you see someone outside who needs help, call 311. During a Code Blue those calls are routed to 911, a city official told City Limits. For the February 2026 blizzard the city also ran 22 warming buses and opened 24 warming centers.

Getting paid to shovel

DSNY hires emergency snow shovelers to clear bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants and step streets after big storms, and it planned on more than 1,000 for the February 2026 blizzard. For this winter the city lists the pay at $30 an hour, rising to $45 an hour after the first 40 hours in a week (checked October 2026). You must be at least 18 and authorized to work in the United States. The last fall registration day is Saturday, October 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Susan E. Wagner High School on Staten Island. Bring originals of your Social Security card, completed W-4 and IT-2014 tax forms, and a completed I-9 with its supporting ID.