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Historic Blizzard Grips New York City

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/22/historic-blizzard-grips-new-york-city.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 18:10 GMT by CNN
      Locales: New York, New Jersey, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 22, 2026 - New York City is currently gripped by a historic blizzard, leading to the unprecedented declaration of a snow day for public schools - the first since February 2010, over sixteen years ago. The severe weather has brought the city to a near standstill, with transportation crippled, a state of emergency in effect, and residents urged to shelter in place.

The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a blizzard warning well in advance of the storm's arrival, and those warnings have proven accurate. Snowfall rates peaked at an astonishing 2 to 3 inches per hour Sunday morning, accompanied by sustained winds exceeding 40 mph and gusts reaching a dangerous 60 mph. These conditions have created near-zero visibility in many areas, resulting in what meteorologists are calling 'whiteout' conditions.

All three major airports serving the New York metropolitan area - John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) - have been severely impacted. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has confirmed thousands of flights have been canceled or significantly delayed. The disruption isn't just affecting travelers originating from the NYC area; ripple effects are being felt across the national and international air travel network. Experts predict the backlog could take days to clear, particularly as crews face challenges in de-icing planes and runways amidst the continuing snowfall.

Mayor Eric Adams addressed the city Sunday morning, emphasizing the severity of the situation. "This is a dangerous storm and we want to make sure everyone stays safe," he stated during a press conference. "We urge New Yorkers to stay off the roads and avoid all unnecessary travel. Our priority is the safety and well-being of our residents." The city activated its emergency operations center late Saturday, coordinating snow removal efforts and ensuring essential services remain operational.

The city's decision to declare a snow day was met with both relief and disruption for many families. While some welcomed the unexpected break from routine, allowing children to enjoy the snow, others faced immediate challenges in securing childcare and adjusting work schedules. The prolonged absence of a snow day in New York City schools has arguably created a generation of students and parents unfamiliar with the logistical considerations that such closures demand. Some commentators are pointing to the increasing effectiveness of remote learning capabilities as a contributing factor to the extended gap between snow days, but the sheer intensity of this storm ultimately proved insurmountable.

New York City Councilmember Zohran Mamdani shared dramatic footage of the blizzard conditions in Brooklyn via social media. The video quickly went viral, showcasing the blinding snow and powerful winds that have engulfed the city. The widespread sharing of such visuals has reinforced the gravity of the situation and further encouraged residents to heed the city's warnings.

The storm's impact extends beyond travel and schools. Con Edison, the city's primary energy provider, is reporting sporadic power outages, primarily due to downed power lines caused by the heavy snow and strong winds. Crews are working to restore service, but the ongoing storm conditions are hampering their efforts. Concerns are also growing regarding the potential for collapsed roofs under the weight of the accumulating snow, and building inspectors are conducting assessments of vulnerable structures.

The current blizzard is particularly notable given the changing climate patterns observed in recent years. While New York City occasionally experiences significant snowfall, blizzards of this magnitude are becoming increasingly rare. Some climatologists suggest that warmer ocean temperatures may be contributing to the intensity of these winter storms, creating the conditions for heavier precipitation and stronger winds. This event is likely to fuel further debate about the impacts of climate change and the need for more robust infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.

The city remains under a travel ban for non-essential vehicles, and officials are urging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors and ensure they have access to necessary supplies. The blizzard is expected to continue through the evening, with conditions gradually improving overnight. However, residents are warned to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel until the roads are fully cleared.