New York City Faces Significant Snowfall, Disrupting Post-Holiday Travel

Snow began falling steadily in New York City on Friday evening, marking the onset of a significant winter storm expected to bring the heaviest snowfall the city has seen in over three years. The National Weather Service forecasts accumulations between 5 to 9 inches, with some areas potentially receiving up to 11 inches. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated overnight, tapering off early Saturday.

By 8 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service reported accumulations of 3 inches in Somers, New York; 2.2 inches in Bridgeport, Connecticut; and 1.9 inches in Islip, New York. In New York City, Central Park recorded 0.3 inches, while LaGuardia and Kennedy Airports each reported 0.1 inches. Snowfall rates are expected to reach 2 inches per hour or more during the night, suggesting significant accumulations are still likely.

The storm has already caused substantial travel disruptions. As of Friday night, more than 800 flights were canceled across New York City's three major airports, with additional cancellations anticipated for Saturday. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates.

The New York City Department of Sanitation issued a Snow Alert beginning at 1 p.m. Friday, deploying over 700 salt spreaders and 2,200 plows to manage the storm's impact. Residents are reminded to clear sidewalks promptly after the snowfall ends, as per city regulations.

The storm coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Boxing Day Blizzard of 2010, which brought 20 inches of snow to Central Park. While this storm is not expected to reach that magnitude, officials urge caution, especially given the region's lack of significant snowfall in recent years.