A Blizzard is heading our way tomorrow through Monday.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) reports:
FINAL REMINDER: If your vehicle is parked between 501 and 645 Main Street, please move it now so our crews can safely clear the roadway tomorrow. Vehicles remaining in the No Parking zone will be subject to summons and towing.
Dear Roosevelt Island Community:
According to the National Weather Service, a Blizzard Warning is now in effect from 6:00 AM Sunday, February 22, through 6:00 PM Monday, February 23, 2026.
Forecast models have shifted quickly over the past 24 hours, with snowfall totals increasing and wind projections strengthening. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 18 inches are currently expected, with wind gusts of up to 45 mph possible. Periods of heavy snowfall and whiteout conditions are likely. These conditions may cause dangerous travel and significant disruptions. Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel.
Due to the blizzard, there will be No Parking from 501 to 645 Main Street beginning Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM through Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM to allow for snow removal operations.
During this time, free parking will be available for Roosevelt Island residents only, with valid identification, at the Motorgate Parking Garage on a first-come, first-served basis. Motorists are advised they cannot park on the Motorgate roof or in reserved spaces.
Any vehicle utilizing free snow parking must vacate Motorgate by Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM. Vehicles remaining after that time will be subject to the normal Motorgate day rate.
Vehicles displaying disabled parking placards may begin parking under the helix as of Saturday at 12:00 PM and must be moved by Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM, or they will be summoned and towed. Please note: Vehicles that do not have a disabled parking placard that park under the helix will be towed.
RIOC is closely monitoring this rapidly evolving storm and will provide follow-up advisories regarding transportation impacts, potential service changes, island access, and any additional storm preparations as needed.
For weather information, please visit www.weather.gov/okx.
If you have an emergency, please call PSD at 212-832-4545 or dial 911.
Thank you.
– Team RIOC
I asked RIOC Assistant Vice President of Communications & Government Affairs Bryant Daniels:
How come parking is allowed by Riverwalk buildings and Cornell Tech?
NYC hires extra people to shovel snow at crosswalks. Has RIOC considered that?
Mr Daniels replied:
There’s only so much extra capacity in Motorgate, we couldn’t accommodate all the extra cars south of the wire buildings. So we prioritize the most highly trafficked part of Main Street; a snarl in that area is much harder to deal with than the areas further south.
Our Grounds team has done an outstanding job clearing the snow so far this winter. We know they’ll be ready to tackle this one, too—but we do ask the buildings to be mindful of clearing their sidewalks. That’s a huge help for us and for the community.
Here’s more on the coming NYC Blizzard.
NYC Emergency Management adds:
New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Hazardous Travel Advisory for New York City beginning Sunday, February 22 through Monday, February 23 as the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts 12-20 inches of snow citywide, with a chance of higher localized totals.
“As our city prepares for levels of snow not seen since 2016, my administration is ready. We are activating every tool at our disposal to keep New Yorkers safe, informed and indoors,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “We all have a role to play in keeping our communities and neighbors safe, and so while DSNY loads salt spreaders and DOT prepares our streets for snowfall, I am encouraging every New Yorker to stay inside and avoid travel.”
“New Yorkers should prepare for what could be the most significant snowfall we’ve seen this year,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding have the potential to make travel dangerous from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. While the city works around the clock preparing for this blizzard, we’re asking New Yorkers to do their part as well: stay informed, sign up for Notify NYC, avoid unnecessary travel, and check on your neighbors.”
“For the second time in less than a month, heavy snow will hit New York City this weekend. DSNY is preparing for a massive deployment, but our work is more difficult if you are on the roads. Do your part to help our work by staying off the roads, staying safe, and, if you’re a property owner, preparing to clear an accessible path on your adjacent sidewalk at the end of precipitation,” said Javier Lojan, Acting Commissioner, NYC Department of Sanitation.
Hazardous travel is forecast to begin Sunday afternoon and become dangerous overnight into Monday morning as heavy snow, low visibility, and strong winds impact the city. According to NWS, the heaviest snowfall is expected between 10 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. Monday, with rates of 1-2 inches per hour and periods of localized higher rates likely.