A powerful snowstorm swept into New York City on Sunday morning, bringing with it the potential for snowfall of up to a foot or more. This storm is part of a vast weather system impacting much of the country, and the city has already reported at least five cold-related fatalities.

The National Weather Service predicts that the storm will persist through Monday afternoon. Residents can anticipate heavy snowfall transitioning into a wintry mix of sleet by late Sunday afternoon and evening. Accumulation is expected to range from 8 to 12 inches, followed by light freezing rain later in the night.

Mayor Mamdani addressed the public on social media late Saturday, acknowledging the fatalities and outlining the city’s response efforts. He stated that a decision regarding school closures for Monday would be made by noon on Sunday.

“Tragically, at least five of our fellow New Yorkers have lost their lives today,” Mayor Mamdani wrote on X. “While it’s premature to determine the exact causes, it serves as a grim reminder of the lethal threat posed by this severe weather. Our teams are actively patrolling the streets, providing shelter to our homeless population, and ensuring their safety. If you encounter someone in need, please contact 311 so our outreach teams can provide assistance.”

Police confirmed on Sunday that they are investigating the deaths as potentially cold-related, noting that all five victims appeared to be homeless.

In one incident, an unidentified man was discovered deceased early Saturday morning around 5:35 a.m. on Hillburn Avenue near Mayville Street in St. Albans, Queens.

Less than 90 minutes later, cops found another unidentified homeless man, unconscious and not breathing, at 69th St. and First Ave. on the Upper East Side. Both were pronounced dead at nearby hospitals.

Their deaths join a tally that includes a 67-year-old man found dead about 7:45 a.m. near Third Ave. and E. 35th St. in Manhattan’s Murray Hill, a 64-year-old woman found outside a home near Remsen Ave. and Glenwood Rd. in Canarsie, Brooklyn, about 9:25 a.m., and an unidentified man found dead around the same time near Warren and Smith Sts. in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

Their causes of death will be determined by the city Medical Examiner

In advance of the storm, NJ Transit announced it will be suspending all of its service Sunday.

City sanitation trucks have been salting the streets for hours, and the department announced it will start plowing operations once 2 inches have fallen.

Across the boroughs, residents were emptying store shelves of perishables and other supplies like shovels and snow melt Saturday.