**NYC Under Siege: Zohran Mamdani Declares Emergency as Snowstorm Engulfs Northeast US** As the northeast United States grapples with a severe snowstorm, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has taken the unprecedented step of declaring a state of emergency, shutting down the city's entire traffic network for all but emergency travel. Residents of the Big Apple are advised to stay indoors as the snowstorm of the century hits, with snowfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour expected to dump as much as 12 to 24 inches of snow on the city. The National Weather Service has warned of "nearly impossible travel conditions" due to strong winds and heavy snow, which will make it difficult for New Yorkers to venture out. The shutdown, which will be in effect from 9pm on Sunday until noon on Monday, will affect all streets, highways, and bridges in the city, except for emergency responders and essential workers. "We're asking New Yorkers to avoid all nonessential travel," Mayor Mamdani said, citing the scale of the storm as unprecedented in the last decade. The implications of the shutdown are being felt across the city, with many residents expressing frustration at the fact that workplaces remain open despite the travel ban. "It's gonna be difficult for most New Yorkers to get around because we still have to go to work," said Brooklyn resident Brandon Smith. "It's unfortunate that roads are suspended, but then why are workplaces still open?" As the snowstorm intensifies, concerns are growing about power outages, with at least 22,895 customers already without electricity in New Jersey. The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for several states, including New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, and emergency declarations have been issued in both New York and New Jersey. For many New Yorkers, the snowstorm is a reminder of the city's resilience and ability to adapt to extreme weather conditions. As Cody Snell, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service, noted, "This is definitely a major winter storm and a major impact for this part of the country."