At a Glance
- Ten deaths were found in New York City as Winter Storm Fern swept through the city.
- The fatalities were reported on January 27, 2026 by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- The city announced an expansion of emergency outreach and opened ten warming shelters across all boroughs.
- Why it matters: The cold snap has claimed lives and prompted citywide efforts to protect vulnerable residents.
The city’s latest winter storm has taken a heavy toll. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on January 27, 2026 that ten people were found dead outside in New York City during the passage of Winter Storm Fern. The causes of death have not yet been determined, but the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported that six deaths occurred overnight on January 23, one on January 24, and a 90-year-old woman was found on January 26.
The Toll of Winter Storm Fern
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the distribution of deaths:
- January 23: Six individuals
- January 24: One individual
- January 26: One individual, a 90-year-old woman named Doreen Ellis
The city’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, said the deaths were a stark reminder of the dangers posed by sub-freezing temperatures.
> “We don’t yet know whether every case will be ruled hypothermia, but we need every New Yorker to be on alert, looking out for their neighbors,” Mamdani told WCBS and WPIX.
Case of Doreen Ellis
Doreen Ellis, a resident of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, was discovered in the backyard of a building on New York Avenue near Sterling Place. She was wearing a blue nightgown, a headscarf, one sock, and a white shawl. Neighbor Junior Sharpe described the situation:
> “She had done that [wandered out] before, but this was in the summertime. Being that it’s cold, you don’t think that somebody will go outside,” he said. “She just got lost.”
Ellis’s family identified her through the Gothamist report. Her death underscores the vulnerability of elderly residents during extreme weather.
Mayor’s Response
In response to the fatalities, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced an expansion of emergency services across the city. The mayor emphasized that this was one of the coldest stretches in years.
> “We are intensifying outreach, we are conducting round-the-clock checks, and have loosened traditional shelter intake procedures to accommodate as many New Yorkers as possible,” Mamdani said.
The city increased street outreach and canvassing, implementing a new emergency protocol to better serve homeless and at-risk residents during the cold snap.
Citywide Emergency Measures
The city opened ten warming shelters, with two in each borough. These shelters provide a safe space for residents who are unable to keep warm at home. The initiative was reported by WCBS.
City officials also announced the opening of additional shelters and the expansion of outreach efforts. The goal is to offer more assistance to those without homes during the harsh winter conditions.
The mayor’s announcement came after the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported the deaths and after the city’s emergency services began to mobilize.
Key Takeaways
- Ten deaths were confirmed in New York City during Winter Storm Fern.
- The deaths spanned January 23 to January 26, with a 90-year-old woman among the victims.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani expanded emergency services, opened ten warming shelters, and intensified outreach.
- The city’s response highlights the importance of community vigilance during extreme cold.
The cold snap continues to affect the Northeast, and city officials urge residents to stay alert and help neighbors in need.
