What Happened
A blizzard warning is currently in effect for all five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, and much of New Jersey as a powerful nor’easter brings strong winds and heavy snowfall to the region. The National Weather Service has reported that conditions meet the criteria for a blizzard, with sustained winds of 35 mph or more and visibility reduced to a quarter mile or less due to blowing snow.
Why It Matters
The forecast predicts that New York City could receive between 12 to 18 inches of snow, with some areas on Long Island potentially accumulating up to two feet. States of emergency have been declared in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, including New York City. Travel bans have been issued, restricting non-emergency travel on all streets until noon on Monday. This has resulted in significant disruptions, including the suspension of train services by the Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.
What’s Next
New York City schools will observe a snow day on Monday, as announced by Mayor Mamdani, with students expected to return to in-person classes on Tuesday. The ongoing storm has also led to widespread cancellations in air travel across the East Coast, affecting thousands of passengers who are now forced to rebook or cancel their flights. As the storm progresses, residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
