A powerful winter storm continued to slam New York City early Monday, with heavy snow and gusty winds sweeping through the five boroughs as a citywide travel ban remained in effect.
Sixteen to 24 inches of snow had been forecast for the city, with the worst of the storm still expected through midday Monday. The National Weather Service issued a Blizzard Warning through Monday evening — the city’s first in eight years — warning of wind gusts up to 55 mph that could create whiteout conditions.
What You Need To Know
A Blizzard Warning — the first in eight years — remains in effect through Monday evening
Snow totals have reached 14 inches in parts of Staten Island, with around a foot reported in the Bronx and Brooklyn
A travel ban is in effect for nonessential vehicles through noon Monday
The National Weather Service reported 14 inches in Dongan Hills on Staten Island, the highest total in the city as of early Monday. Mott Haven in the Bronx and Flatbush in Brooklyn were also reporting around a foot of snow.
In Manhattan, Central Park officially measured 9.3 inches as of 1 a.m. In Queens, LaGuardia Airport recorded 9.1 inches, while John F. Kennedy International Airport measured 7.8 inches.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a local state of emergency Sunday, closing city streets, highways, bridges and tunnels to most non-essential vehicles from 9 p.m. Sunday to noon Monday to allow plows and emergency vehicles to operate safely.
“All traffic, including bikes, will be banned, except for essential and emergency travel,” city officials said.
Public schools are closed Monday for a traditional snow day — the city’s first of the winter. While state law requires 180 instructional days, Mamdani said the city received a waiver from the state education commissioner.
“To kids across New York City, you have a very serious mission if you choose to accept it: stay cozy,” the mayor said.
Monday had been scheduled as the first day back from midwinter recess. Schools previously shifted to remote learning Jan. 26 during another winter storm, though that did not affect high school students and those in grades 6 through 12 who were already off that day.
Catholic elementary schools under the Archdiocese of New York in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island also closed Monday due to the storm.
Transit service was modified as conditions deteriorated. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said most subway lines would continue running, though service in the Rockaways operated via shuttle buses to and from Euclid Avenue.
The Long Island Rail Road suspended service at 1 a.m. Monday, while Metro-North Railroad is operating on a weekend schedule.
NYC Ferry ended service at 5 p.m. Sunday and is planning a delayed restart Monday. The Staten Island Ferry shifted to hourly service overnight before resuming half-hour service at 6 a.m. Citi Bike shut down at 8 p.m. Sunday.
City libraries are closed Monday, and alternate side parking is suspended.
The New York City Department of Sanitation deployed 700 salt spreaders and thousands of plows, with more than 2,600 workers assigned to 12-hour shifts. Officials warned trash and recycling collection will be delayed as crews focus on clearing streets.
Officials continue to urge New Yorkers to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel as the storm moves through the region.