Major Winter Storm Brings New York City to a Halt with Heavy Snowfall and High Winds
A severe blizzard brought New York City to a virtual standstill on Monday after a massive winter storm unleashed up to 15 inches of snow overnight. This prompted Mayor Zohran Mamdani to declare a local state of emergency, impose a comprehensive travel ban, and shut down public schools for the first full snow day in years.
National Weather Service Warns of "Major Winter Event" with Treacherous Conditions
The storm, described by the National Weather Service as a "major winter event," delivered intense snowfall at rates reaching three inches per hour. It was accompanied by powerful wind gusts of up to 60 mph, creating near-whiteout conditions and making travel "extremely treacherous."
In a series of early morning updates on social media, Mayor Mamdani strongly urged residents to stay indoors for their safety. "Snowfall: 8–15 inches last night. More snow expected until early afternoon. Roads are CLOSED until at least noon today. Essential and emergency trips only," he stated, emphasizing the serious risks posed by the blizzard.
Authorities indicated that total snow accumulation across parts of the tri-state area could reach up to 20 inches by the time the storm weakens later in the day.
Travel Ban Enforced as Roads and Highways Shut Down
City officials implemented a blanket travel ban starting Sunday night, closing streets, highways, and bridges to all non-essential vehicles. This measure was taken to allow emergency responders and sanitation crews to operate safely and efficiently. "This emergency declaration allows us to cut through red tape so emergency vehicles and essential workers can do their jobs," Mayor Mamdani explained.
Snowplows worked tirelessly through the night to clear major routes, but officials warned that blowing snow and poor visibility could quickly undo these clearing efforts. Governor Kathy Hochul also declared a statewide emergency, placing National Guard units on standby and urging residents to avoid any unnecessary travel.
Power outages were reported across the region, affecting more than 250,000 people along the East Coast, including over 100,000 in New Jersey.
Airlines and Trains Face Massive Disruptions with Thousands of Flights Cancelled
Air travel across the northeastern United States experienced massive disruption, with more than 5,500 flights cancelled nationwide and thousands more delayed. Major airports, including John F Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, were among the worst affected. Airlines suspended operations due to dangerous runway conditions and critically low visibility.
Public transport services were also severely impacted. Rail services, including commuter lines, faced widespread cancellations and delays, while transit agencies struggled to maintain limited operations amid the worsening weather. Meteorologists warned that strong winds and heavy snow could continue to disrupt travel throughout the day.
Schools Shut as City Declares First "Real Snow Day" in Seven Years
New York City public schools were closed on Monday, with officials confirming there would be no remote learning. "Tomorrow is a full snow day — no remote learning, no logging on. Our first real snow day in seven years," Mayor Mamdani announced.
The city also opened warming centers to assist vulnerable residents and suspended alternate side parking rules to facilitate snow removal. Officials urged residents to stay indoors, monitor weather updates, and check on vulnerable neighbors as the storm continued to impact the region.
Meteorologists noted that while New York is no stranger to winter storms, the scale and intensity of this blizzard make it one of the most disruptive in recent years.
