New York City bore the brunt of a powerful winter storm for several hours, leaving significant snow accumulation across the region. City officials say the worst of the storm has now passed.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that all New York City public schools will transition to remote learning, with school buildings closed for in-person instruction. The decision affects the nation’s largest school district.

Mamdani said students were previously sent home with the necessary technology and that New York City Public Schools are fully prepared to conduct classes online.

“This decision prioritizes the safety of students, families, and staff while ensuring continuity of instruction and meeting New York State’s 180-day instructional requirement,” Mamdani said in a joint statement with Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels.

During the storm, some school buildings are being used as warming centers for residents in need.

The shift to remote instruction impacts approximately 500,000 students across more than 1,100 schools. For high school students and those in grades 6 through 8 attending combined middle and high schools, a previously scheduled professional learning day will remain in effect, and Monday will stay as a day off.

Mamdani said that as of mid-morning, more than 162,000 students and 77,000 teachers had already logged on ahead of the first remote learning day.

Schools are prepared to assist with technical issues as they arise. Students requiring support can visit selfservice.schools.nyc or contact their school directly. The city has also increased staffing at help desks to ensure continued access to instruction.

Officials emphasized that the transition is designed to keep learning uninterrupted while ensuring public safety during severe weather conditions.