STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As snow conditions deteriorated across Staten Island on Sunday morning, residents rushed to stock up on essentials as restaurants, schools and transit services including ferry operations adjusted to worsening weather.
At Royal Crown Bakery in Dongan Hills around 10 a.m., Kitty Giambertone stopped in after services at St. Ann’s R.C. Church with her husband, John, and neighbor James DiMaio, joining a small but steady stream of customers preparing for the storm. The bakery remained open through the morning but planned to close early at 2 p.m.
As a winter storm intensified across Staten Island, residents squeezed in bakery runs, restaurants closed early, and familiar routines gave way to caution on the roads.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
“We had to come and get our bagels,” Kitty Giambertone said, calling it a “beautiful day,” even as she acknowledged conditions were expected to worsen later on.
(LIVE UPDATES: Snowstorm on Staten Island, school closures, road conditions, and more.)
Light snow began falling across the borough around 5 a.m., quickly leading to hazardous road conditions. By 6 a.m., streets and sidewalks were coated with a light accumulation as temperatures hovered around 14 degrees, with biting winds intensifying the cold. By late morning, snow totals were estimated at approximately 2 to 2.5 inches, with forecasts calling for between 11 and 12 inches by the end of the storm.
Most restaurants opted to close as conditions worsened, citing employee and customer safety. Andrew’s Diner in Great Kills, Burrito Bar, and Beans ’n’ Leaves in West Brighton were among the establishments closed for the day. Megan Coppola of Beans said also kept her restaurant shuttered, prioritizing the staff’s safety. Kings Arms didn’t open until around 9:30 a.m.
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Snow, frosty conditions strike Staten Island, rest of NYC
A handful of businesses remained open despite the storm. Italo’s on Forest Avenue continued serving customers, as did Pastosa diagonally across the street.
Royal Crown Bakery in Grasmere operated on a limited schedule, while Key Food locations remained open. The Three B’s Bagel store on Forest Avenue planned to remain open 24 hours as usual.
Beyond dining and retail, the YMCAs of Greater New York closed all locations for the day and announced a delayed reopening at 1 p.m. Monday. Schools across the city shifted to remote learning.
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A typical snowy Staten Island day at home, work and play
Road conditions varied significantly by neighborhood. Forest Avenue showed signs of active plowing, while Hylan Boulevard from St. Joseph Hill Academy of Arrochar through the Perkins restaurant area in Dongan Hills appeared less maintained as snowfall continued. Visibility near the Verrazzano‑Narrows Bridge was observed to be near zero by mid‑morning. Sanitation trucks were actively plowing throughout the borough, though drivers noted conditions worsened as the morning progressed. Bus service was limited but continued.
Staten Island Ferry service continued operating Sunday morning but shifted to an hourly schedule beginning at noon due to weather conditions. Ferries departed St. George on the hour and Whitehall on the half hour. Bus service appeared limited as snowfall intensified.
Residents urged caution, particularly as snow began sticking to both main roads and residential streets.
“You have to be careful driving because there are a few snow cowboys out there who think because they have four-wheel drive they can plow down the street at 30 or 40 miles an hour,” one motorist said. “It’s very dangerous out there. My advice is to stay home, put up a pot of sauce, and enjoy the snow with your family. Don’t worry about shoveling until tomorrow.”
Drivers also warned of hidden hazards, including snow‑covered speed bumps that were no longer visible, making already slick streets even more treacherous. Even vehicles equipped with four‑wheel drive were reported to be struggling as conditions continued to deteriorate.
In New York City, property owners are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their buildings, including in front, on the sides and behind properties. The deadline depends on when the snowfall ends: if snow stops falling during the day, sidewalks must be cleared within four hours. If it ends overnight, they must be cleared by 11 a.m. the following day.
A path at least four feet wide must be shoveled, with fire hydrants, curb cuts, and pedestrian ramps kept clear. Snow should not be pushed into the street or crosswalks. Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from $100 to $350, with repeat violations carrying higher penalties.