New York woke up looking like a snow globe that had been shaken a little too hard.
Streets disappeared under thick layers of snow, sidewalks became obstacle courses, and residents across the city grabbed shovels to dig themselves out.
Amid the chaos of the worst blizzard the city has seen in nearly a decade, one familiar face decided to join the cleanup firsthand.
A Mayor Steps Into the Snowstorm
As Winter Storm Fern barreled through the Big Apple, dumping close to 11.5 inches of snow, Democratic Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani was spotted on the streets of Brooklyn shoveling alongside everyday New Yorkers.
Rather than watching from City Hall, he chose to jump into the action, helping residents clear paths through the powdery mess left behind by the storm locals quickly dubbed “icemageddon.”
Social Media Zeroes In on His Technique
While some appreciated the mayor’s hands-on approach, the internet had other ideas.
Videos shared by ABC7 showed Mamdani shoveling without a hat, bending awkwardly and struggling to toss heavy piles of snow aside.
The clips spread fast, and so did the jokes.
One critic on X quipped that it looked like he had never handled a shovel before, while another joked he seemed more focused on digging a hole than clearing a sidewalk.
A Timely Warning From the Governor
The viral moment came just after Governor Kathy Hochul had issued a public safety reminder about proper shoveling techniques.
During a briefing, she urged New Yorkers to protect their backs by bending their knees, lifting smaller amounts of snow, and avoiding the temptation to take on massive shovelfuls.
Hochul stressed that heavy lifting in freezing conditions can be dangerous, even sharing that some of her own neighbors had suffered heart attacks while shoveling.
A Light Jab and Plenty of Laughs
As Mamdani’s video continued to make the rounds, Hochul appeared to throw in a playful but pointed remark of her own, thanking the mayor for helping out — and suggesting he put on a hat next time.
Online, the jokes kept coming, with users poking fun at his form and endurance as the clips replayed across platforms.
The Mayor Shrugs Off the Criticism
Despite the teasing and critiques, Mamdani stayed focused on the bigger picture.
He brushed off the comments and reaffirmed his commitment to helping residents however he could.
In a social media post, he said no task was too big or too small and encouraged New Yorkers to stay safe as cleanup efforts continued.
The Storm’s Deadly Aftermath
Behind the humor and viral moments, Winter Storm Fern left a far more serious mark.
The blizzard has already claimed at least 25 lives across the United States.
In New York City alone, officials confirmed that at least eight people were found dead outdoors as temperatures plunged between Saturday and Monday morning, with investigations still ongoing to determine the exact causes.
What Comes Next for the City
As the snow slowly melts and cleanup continues, attention is shifting toward recovery and safety.
City and state officials are urging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, take breaks while shoveling, and remain cautious as icy conditions linger.
For New Yorkers, the storm has become another reminder that even everyday acts like clearing snow can turn risky — and that sometimes, even the mayor can end up learning that lesson the hard way.
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