Major food delivery companies suspended operations across New York City on Sunday as a powerful winter storm intensified and officials enforced a blizzard travel ban aimed at keeping roads clear and residents safe.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as heavy snow and strong winds swept through the region. He declared a state of emergency ahead of worsening conditions. City leaders then announced that streets, highways, and bridges would close to non emergency traffic at 9 p.m.
Grubhub confirmed it would suspend service in New York City and parts of New Jersey beginning at 7:30 p.m. The company stated it would keep operations offline overnight. Representatives emphasized that delivery partner safety remains their top priority.
Meanwhile, DoorDash announced it would halt service citywide at 8:30 p.m., shortly before the blizzard travel ban took effect. Company officials noted they could suspend deliveries earlier if weather conditions deteriorated further. Leaders explained the early shutdown would allow drivers to complete orders and exit roads safely.
DoorDash indicated that service would likely remain paused until at least midday Monday. Spokespersons described the approaching system as a historic blizzard bringing significant snowfall and dangerous wind gusts. They pledged to monitor official guidance and provide updates to customers, merchants, and drivers.
Meteorologists warned that the storm system, described as a bomb cyclone, could deliver more than a foot of snow across much of the city. Forecasters also projected wind gusts reaching sixty miles per hour. Some areas along the Interstate 95 corridor could see totals exceeding two feet.
Under the emergency order, officials restricted nearly all vehicle movement during the blizzard travel ban. The rules applied to cars, trucks, scooters, and electric bicycles. Authorities granted limited exemptions only for emergency responders and essential service workers.
Mayor Mamdani encouraged residents to remain indoors and avoid placing unnecessary delivery orders. He cautioned that hazardous conditions could endanger drivers and restaurant staff. Officials urged neighbors to prepare meals at home and check on vulnerable community members.
Other platforms, including Uber Eats and Instacart, did not immediately announce operational updates. However, city leaders indicated that businesses would need to comply fully with emergency restrictions.
As snow continued falling across Times Square and surrounding boroughs, transportation disruptions mounted. Thousands of flights faced delays or cancellations throughout the Northeast. Authorities said they would reassess restrictions once conditions improve and roads become safe for travel again.
