The city that never sleeps is grinding to a halt as a powerful winter storm blankets New York, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency. Forecasters are predicting what could be the region's most significant snowfall in years, with the National Weather Service warning of treacherous conditions from upstate New York to Long Island.
City on Alert: Emergency Declarations and Travel Warnings
Both New York and New Jersey governors took decisive action on Friday, declaring states of emergency ahead of the severe weather. New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stating, "I encourage everyone to monitor local forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel. If you have to travel, plan ahead, take it slow, and leave plenty of time."
Echoing this sentiment, New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way issued a plea for safety on social media platform X, writing, "Please monitor official updates and remain off the roads unless necessary. Stay safe, New Jersey!"
Transport Chaos and City's Snow Fight
The impact on travel has been severe and widespread. The storm arrived during one of the busiest holiday travel periods of the year, wreaking havoc from the Midwest to the Northeast. Nationwide, there were reports of over 6,000 flight delays and more than 15,000 cancellations, with the lion's share affecting the three major New York City area airports: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams sought to reassure citizens, posting on X, "That white stuff is coming, NYC! We're ready for however much we get." His administration later shared images of the city's preparedness, with salt spreaders and snowploughs deployed in force. The New York Department of Sanitation has a staggering 700 million pounds of salt ready to treat icy roads.
Snowfall Totals and Wider Impacts
According to the National Weather Service, the New York City area was expected to receive between two and five inches of snow, with some northern areas seeing up to six inches. Heavier accumulations of six to eleven inches were predicted for areas from upstate New York to Long Island, with a potential for up to a foot of snow in some locales.
The disruptive weather extended beyond the Northeast. Florida airports experienced hundreds of delays, while on the West Coast, the severe conditions turned deadly. At Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in California, two ski patrollers were injured in an avalanche on Friday morning after the resort received over five feet of snow since Tuesday. A backcountry skier was also rescued after being buried in an avalanche near Reno on Thursday.
This New York snowstorm marks the most significant snowfall event for the Big Apple since 2022, when eight inches of snow fell in Central Park. As the city hunkers down, officials continue to stress caution and preparedness until the severe winter weather passes.
