Al Roker and “Today” Show Hosts Ride Out Blizzard with Manhattan Sleepover

The Today show team adapted to New York City’s massive winter blizzard by commuting into Manhattan the night before the broadcast. With city streets closing at 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, Al Roker shared on Instagram that the cast would be having a “sleepover” to ensure they could make it to Studio 1A the next morning.

Roker joked: “We’re going to have a little sleepover, the folks at the Today show. It’ll be fun.”

Team Effort

Joining Roker were Craig Melvin, Hoda Kotb, Carson Daly, Jenna Bush Hager, and Sheinelle Jones. Kotb returned for her third week of coverage while Savannah Guthrie remained in Arizona amid the search for her missing mother. The unusual overnight stay highlighted the lengths the team goes to in order to keep the show running during severe weather.

Roker’s Snow Day Shoutout

Roker praised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for granting local students a snow day. “Hats off to Mayor Mamdani saying, ‘Kids deserve a snow day, three day weekend,’” he said, adding that it might even stretch into a four‑day break.

He also reminded residents that winter weather doesn’t erase responsibilities: “For all those New Yorkers who walk their dogs, guess what, poop doesn’t magically disappear.”

Reporting from the Blizzard

On Monday morning, Roker posted another video walking two blocks to Rockefeller Plaza, noting: “So far this blizzard is living up to its reputation.”

Inside the studio, the hosts marveled at the storm’s intensity. The Plaza outside Studio 1A, where fans usually gather, was closed due to dangerous conditions. Meteorologist Dylan Dreyer reported live from Long Island, admitting she felt “rusty” after not covering a storm outdoors in some time.

A Memorable Broadcast

Despite the blizzard shutting down much of New York City, the Today show team delivered a broadcast filled with camaraderie, humor, and resilience. Their Manhattan sleepover underscored the dedication behind one of America’s most beloved morning shows.