HomeNewsNYC Lifts Travel Ban After Historic Blizzard
NYC lifts travel ban after 24 inches of snow, cleanup continues across five boroughs
2026-03-28, Moovit News Team
NYC Lifts Travel Ban After Historic Blizzard
New York City’s lifted its travel ban following a historic blizzard that dumped up to 24 inches of snow across the five boroughs. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the end of restrictions that closed streets, highways, and bridges to nonessential vehicles since Sunday evening. The nor’easter marked the city’s first major blizzard in a decade, with cleanup crews still working to clear icy roads.
Storm Brought Severe Conditions Across Five Boroughs
Mayor Mamdani had declared a state of emergency in advance of the storm to address whiteout conditions, heavy snow, and coastal flooding risks. The blizzard brought wind gusts up to 50 mph and reduced visibility to a quarter mile during its peak. Storm surges of up to 3.5 feet were predicted in some coastal areas, prompting the citywide travel ban. The Department of Sanitation deployed 2,600 workers on 12-hour shifts, supported by 700 salt spreaders, numerous plows, NYPD Highway Patrol escorts, and FDNY rapid response units to manage the emergency response.
Snowfall Totals Varied Widely Across City
The storm produced significant snowfall variations across New York City’s boroughs. Staten Island’s Grasmere neighborhood recorded the highest total at 24.1 inches, while Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn measured 20.5 inches. Mott Haven in the Bronx received 18 inches, and Central Park in Manhattan saw 15.1 inches. The widespread accumulation overwhelmed city streets and required extensive plowing operations that’ll continue throughout the week.
Recovery Continues With Limited Services
Schools are reopening for in-person classes as the city returns to normal operations. However, ferry schedules remain reduced, libraries are closed, and alternate side parking is suspended for the week to allow continued snow removal. The city’s opened warming buses, school warming centers, and hospital facilities to assist residents during the recovery period. Mayor Mamdani cautioned that road conditions remain icy and urged drivers to exercise caution despite the lifted travel ban.
Transit Services Gradually Resuming
Riders should expect some continued disruptions as transit services gradually return to full capacity following the historic storm. Some public services remain limited during the recovery period as crews work to clear snow from all boroughs. Officials haven’t provided a specific timeline for when all services will return to normal operations. Moovit provides real-time updates on transit conditions and service changes across New York City’s transportation network.