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NYC Blizzard Brings City to a Standstill

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. 24/nyc-blizzard-brings-city-to-a-standstill.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 1:22 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

New York City, NY - February 24th, 2026 - A powerful blizzard is currently battering New York City, bringing with it heavy snowfall, treacherous conditions, and widespread disruptions to daily life. The storm, predicted to be one of the most significant in recent years, began impacting the city late Monday and is continuing unabated this Tuesday, February 24th, forcing school closures, modifying city services, and creating substantial travel chaos.

City-Wide Shutdown & Emergency Response

Mayor Ramirez declared a state of emergency late yesterday evening, activating the city's comprehensive blizzard response plan. All NYC public schools are closed today, impacting over a million students. The Department of Education (DOE) has established a dedicated webpage - [ https://www.nyc.gov/schools/closures ] - providing real-time updates on school closures, including those for charter and private institutions. Officials are stressing that the safety of students and staff is paramount, and the decision to close schools was made after careful consideration of the expected severity of the storm.

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has deployed its full fleet of over 2,000 snow plows, salt spreaders, and loaders, working tirelessly to clear major roadways and keep essential routes open. Alternate Side Parking regulations have been suspended for the duration of the storm, allowing residents to leave their vehicles safely without fear of ticketing. However, the DSNY is pleading with residents to avoid parking in areas where snowplows need to operate, as this significantly hinders their efforts. Garbage and recycling collections have been modified; priority is being given to snow removal, with collections resuming when conditions allow.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is coordinating closely with the DSNY, focusing on clearing bridges, tunnels, and key highway arteries. DOT Commissioner Chen emphasized the importance of pre-storm preparation, stating, "We've been pretreating roads with salt brine for the past 48 hours, but the intensity of the snowfall is testing even our most robust preparations."

Transportation Nightmare

The city's public transportation system is experiencing significant disruptions. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reports widespread delays and cancellations on subway lines, particularly those operating above ground. Bus service is also severely impacted, with many routes suspended or rerouted due to impassable roads. Commuter rail lines, including the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad, are operating on severely reduced schedules, and passengers are strongly advised to check for updates before traveling. LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark airports are reporting massive flight cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is urging travelers to postpone non-essential travel.

Safety First: Preparing for the Worst

City officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution and take necessary safety precautions. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Blizzard Warning for New York City and surrounding areas, predicting total snowfall accumulations of up to 24 inches in some areas, along with strong winds and reduced visibility.

The city's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is strongly advising residents to:

• Check on vulnerable neighbors: Elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those living alone are particularly vulnerable during severe weather events.
• Stay indoors: Avoid all unnecessary travel. If you must venture outside, dress warmly in layers, wear a hat, gloves, and a scarf, and be prepared for slippery conditions.
• Charge electronic devices: Ensure your cell phones, laptops, and other essential devices are fully charged in case of power outages.
• Prepare for potential power outages: Gather flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and water. Con Edison, the city's energy provider, has mobilized extra crews to respond to any outages that may occur.
• Monitor local news and social media: Stay informed about the latest developments and any updates to city services. The city's official website ([ https://www.nyc.gov/ ]) and social media channels are providing regular updates.

Looking Ahead

The blizzard is expected to taper off late Tuesday, but the aftermath will present its own challenges. The city faces a massive snow removal effort, and residents are asked to be patient as crews work to clear streets and sidewalks. Officials are also warning about the potential for flooding as the snow melts. The city remains on high alert, and residents are urged to continue to monitor local news and follow the guidance of emergency officials.