Snowstorm disrupts New York

A heavy snowstorm swept New York City, blanketing neighborhoods from Queens to Upper Manhattan with thick snow, strong winds and bitter temperatures that disrupted travel and daily life. In Maspeth, residents helped push a car stuck in snow while others shoveled sidewalks and driveways; across the city, buses ran with chains, snowplows cleared major routes and pedestrians navigated slick pavements. Above‑ground transit slowed and some commuter rail lines operated on reduced schedules as airports faced delays and cancellations while crews de‑iced planes and cleared runways. Officials urged residents to avoid nonessential travel, warned of hazardous wind chills and cautioned that refreezing could leave roads and sidewalks icy.

Municipal crews prioritized main arteries, emergency routes and hospital access, with sanitation workers and plow operators working in shifts; residential streets were slated for later clearing. Authorities reminded drivers of alternate‑side parking rules to facilitate snow removal. Schools in parts of the region shifted to remote learning or closed, government offices adjusted hours and many businesses opened late or remained shut as commuting became difficult. Police responded to numerous mostly minor traffic collisions attributed to slick conditions.

The city opened warming centers and dispatched outreach teams to check on people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable residents, offering shelter, hot drinks and support. Officials encouraged neighbours to assist one another and asked property owners to clear sidewalks when safe to do so.

Despite disruptions, the storm produced scenes of winter recreation and visual drama: parks hosted families sledding and children building snowmen; photographers and social posts captured familiar landmarks transformed by white layers. Pedestrians described the snow as sharp and stinging in gusts yet uplifting to see, and small gatherings formed in parks and near memorials.

Meteorologists warned the storm extended beyond the city, with heavy snow expected across the broader region and mixed precipitation staging in parts of the Mid‑Atlantic and Southeast, raising concerns about ice where freezing rain fell. Forecasts indicated snowfall would taper but conditions would remain below freezing, increasing the risk of slips and accidents after the event.