Storm: Mamdani Jokes, Shovels Snow, In First Test As Mayor

NEW YORK, NY – As icy roads and dangerous winter conditions continued to grip New York City, early media and social media reaction suggests Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s initial response to the storm has been broadly well received, marking a steady first test of leadership since he stormed into office.

Social media users circulated images and videos of the mayor on the ground, underscoring a hands on approach.

While the mayor did not post it, Journalist @jacobkornbluh posted a video showing Mamdani with a shovel helping free a car stuck in heavy snow in Williamsburg, a Hasidic populated neighborhood. The mayor later reposted the clip, writing, “As I have said, there is no task too big or no job too small. Happy to lend a hand and help out New Yorkers. Stay safe.”

The image of the mayor assisting residents resonated widely online, with many praising the gesture as symbolic and reassuring amid worsening conditions.

Mainstream media coverage echoed that sentiment. The New York Times, in a headline reading “Mamdani Clears Early Hurdles as Storm Bears Down on New York,” noted that the mayor had made “strong use of his communication skills” as the storm intensified.

Video: Mayor Mamdani seen with a shovel assisting a car stuck in the snow in the Hasidic-populated neighborhood of Williamsburg. pic.twitter.com/UOZtpMwGGi

— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) January 25, 2026

The paper reported that the sanitation department had already plowed roads at least twice in many areas, a key benchmark as snowfall accumulated. And he has repeatedly thanked city workers for stepping out and doing their duty for their fellow city citizens. 

According to the Times, the only notable disappointment among constituents came from students after the city declined to cancel classes entirely, opting instead to keep schools open. Addressing those frustrations with humor, Mamdani joked to students, “Feel free to throw a snowball at me when you see me.”

Newsweek similarly highlighted the mayor’s tone and clarity during the crisis. In its coverage, the outlet reported that Mamdani urged New Yorkers to stay home as heavy snow continued to fall, while adding a lighthearted aside that residents could use the downtime to nap or read the popular novel ‘Heated Rivalry’ through the public library system. The remark was part of a broader public update on storm preparedness and response, in which the mayor outlined operational steps already underway and reminded property owners of their responsibility to clear sidewalks.

With hazardous conditions expected to persist, both press coverage and online reaction indicate that Mamdani’s blend of visibility, communication, and humor has so far helped steady public confidence during the storm.