New York City officials are looking to hire 1,000 emergency snow shovelers as a major winter storm moves toward the region.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said during a press conference on Saturday that the city is preparing for what could be its most significant snowfall in nearly a decade.
“For those who want to do more to help their neighbors and earn some extra cash, you too can become an emergency snow shoveler,” Mamdani said.
”Just show up at your local sanitation garage between 8 am and 1 pm tomorrow with your paperwork,” he added.
Workers will be transported by vans and buses beginning Sunday night to clear bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and other public areas.
The Department of Sanitation said shovelers are paid $19.14 per hour, with overtime at $28.71 per hour after 40 hours.
However, netizens pointed out that applicants are required to present two forms of identification, despite Mamdani and the Democratic Party’s fervent opposition to Republican-backed voter ID mandates.
🚨 NEW: Zohran Mamdani Calls on New Yorkers to Shovel Snow During Tomorrow’s Blizzard
“You too can become an emergency snow shoveler. Just show up at your local sanitation garage between 8am and 1pm tomorrow with your paperwork.” pic.twitter.com/ZifhOhPbGt
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) February 21, 2026
NEW: New York City is requiring multiple forms of ID for anyone who would like to register to be a paid emergency snow shoveler ahead of this weekend’s winter storm.
This, as some Dems say requiring ID to vote is akin to “Jim Crow 2.0”.
NYC link: https://t.co/q41bg86CtL pic.twitter.com/ajPXA9zR0m
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) February 21, 2026
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the city from Sunday morning through Monday evening.
Forecasters warn snowfall totals could exceed 20 inches, with the heaviest accumulation expected overnight Sunday into Monday.
The deployment comes after scrutiny following January’s Winter Storm Fern, when reports questioned whether the city had adequate emergency staffing.
The Department of Sanitation disputed those claims, saying operational needs have changed since the last comparable storm nearly a decade ago.
Officials said the incoming storm could surpass January’s system in severity.
A Blizzard Warning has been issued for the city for the first time in eight years. NY1 Meteorologist John Davitt says 10 to 20 inches of snow is currently in the forecast, with 50 mph wind gusts and coastal flooding also possible. pic.twitter.com/zoXQO5PnEr
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) February 21, 2026
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