What to know as NYC and Tri-State Area get hit by major winter storm
- A dangerous winter storm is hitting the New York City area Sunday, bringing heavy snow and sleet to the region. NYC is likely to get at least 8 inches of snow for the first time in years, while totals could top 18 inches in the northern suburbs.
- New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are under states of emergency as their governors warned people not to travel, since roads may also get icy as the storm progresses.
- New York City’s major airports are reporting more than 2,700 canceled flights, so far. The MTA says NYC subways and buses will continue to operate, but riders should plan for delays. NJ Transit bus, light rail and Access Link service is suspended, while rail service will be halted at 2 p.m.
- New York City public schools will have remote classes on Monday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed. The mayor previously ruled out a snow day, but said the decision on whether to hold in-person classes was still up in the air.
“Stay off the roads”
Mamdani said staying off the roads is “the single most helpful thing that New Yorkers can do” during this storm.
“I cannot emphasize this enough. Please, if you can avoid it, do not drive. One of the reports we received earlier today from [DSNY] is there are still far too many New Yorkers out on the roads. Conditions are dangerous and a hazardous travel advisory is in effect for today and for tomorrow,” he said.
Life-threatening cold weather
Mamdani reiterated the city’s Code Blue remains in effect, which means no one can be turned away at homeless shelters, amid life-threatening cold. He said the winter storm is bringing “temperatures colder than any sustained period this city has experienced for eight years.”
“Yesterday alone, before the snow had even begun to come down, at least five New Yorkers passed away and were found outside … While we do not yet know their causes of death, there is no more powerful reminder of the danger of extreme cold and how vulnerable many of our neighbors are, especially homeless New Yorkers,” the mayor said…