By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
A powerful winter storm that pummeled New York City over the weekend dumped more than a foot of snow in several neighborhoods, snarled transportation across the region and marked the city’s most significant snowfall in years, according to weather officials.
Snowfall totals varied widely across the five boroughs, with the heaviest accumulations reported in upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx. The National Weather Service recorded nearly 15 inches of snow in Washington Heights, the highest total reported within the city.
Central Park measured more than 11 inches of snow and sleet, breaking a daily snowfall record and marking the first time the city has seen more than a foot of snow since February 2021. Parts of the Hudson Valley recorded more than 18 inches.
Queens also saw significant accumulation, with 11.1 inches reported in Whitestone and 11 inches in Howard Beach. John F. Kennedy International Airport recorded 10.3 inches of snow, while LaGuardia Airport measured 9.7 inches.
The storm, named Winter Storm Fern by meteorologists, brought air travel to a standstill at times. LaGuardia Airport was forced to shut down for several hours as blowing snow and near-zero visibility left planes surrounded by large drifts. Flight delays and cancellations rippled through the region.
Mass transit systems struggled to recover as well. New Jersey Transit suspended all service during the height of the storm and resumed limited operations days later. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority adjusted subway, bus and commuter rail service as crews worked through icy conditions and extreme cold.
Roadways across the region were hazardous, with heavy, wet snow contributing to numerous accidents and prolonged delays. City officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to use caution while shoveling, warning that the weight of the snow posed a risk for injuries and heart strain.
As the winter storm approached, New York City residents flocked to grocery stores across the boroughs, frantically stocking up on essentials. Shoppers filled carts with milk, bread, eggs, bottled water, and other staples, often buying far more than usual in anticipation of being snowed in. The rush left many neighborhood markets stripped bare, with empty shelves and limited supplies, creating a scene of chaos as city dwellers prepared for what would become one of the biggest snowstorms in years.
Schools across the region closed, with many districts canceling classes outright. New York City public schools shifted to virtual learning during the storm.
Food delivery services, including DoorDash and Grubhub, temporarily suspended operations in New York City as conditions worsened, resuming service once travel became safer.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered New York City public schools to shift to remote learning Monday as the powerful winter storm blanketed the city, a move officials said proved largely successful. The remote day applied primarily to K–8 students, while high school students and some middle school grades were already off for a scheduled professional development day. Mamdani and Schools Counselor Samuels both joined virtual classrooms Monday morning, with the chancellor saying students were able to log in quickly and begin lessons without major disruptions. Mamdani acknowledged some students’ disappointment at missing a traditional snow day but said state requirements for 180 instructional days left little flexibility.
While snowfall tapered off early in the week, frigid temperatures lingered, raising concerns about icy roads and sidewalks. Warming centers remained open across the region as officials warned of dangerously cold wind chills.
Meteorologists said the storm was one for the history books, ranking among the most impactful winter weather events the New York City area has experienced in recent years, and forecasters are already monitoring the potential for another winter system in the days ahead.
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