A deadly winter storm has slammed the US, sharply disrupting travel, daily life and public services, with at least 10 fatalities reported across the country, Euro News and other outlets reported.
As the storm’s impact continued into Monday, dramatic scenes emerged from New York City, showing its newly-elected civic leader helping residents on the ground.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was seen personally shovelling snow and helping stranded motorists dig their cars out of heavy snowfall in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn in several videos that surfaced online.
Hey Mayor Mamdani,
— Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) January 25, 2026
Tell me you've never shoveled snow before in your life without telling me. 🤣🤡 pic.twitter.com/0ZiY3NBl8Q
In clips filmed on Myrtle Avenue and Franklin Avenue, Mamdani wielded a shovel alongside other residents, making a symbolic and practical gesture of support as the immense storm blanketed the city.
“There is no task too big or no job too small. Happy to lend a hand and help out New Yorkers. Stay safe!” he wrote on X.
Winter storm Fern’s impact
The winter storm, identified by weather services as Winter Storm Fern, brought record levels of snow, sleet, and dangerously low temperatures across a broad swath of the US, from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast. More than a million customers lost power across various states, and over 10,000 flights were cancelled as airlines struggled with treacherous conditions.
Mamdani’s response to the storm in NYC
Mamdani announced the closure of public schools in NYC for remote learning on Monday and activated 10 warming centres across the city’s boroughs to provide relief from the bitter cold.
New York emergency crews and sanitation teams have been working around the clock to clear streets, keep essential services running, and support vulnerable populations, the government announced.
Which other regions are affected due to the storm?
The storm’s effects extended far beyond New York. States from Louisiana to Tennessee reported heavy ice, strong winds and power outages, leading some governors to declare states of emergency and request federal assistance. Transit systems across multiple regions faced delays or suspensions, and airport closures contributed to travel chaos nationwide, The Guardian reported.