New York City is grappling with a historic blizzard that began Sunday, impacting millions along the East Coast. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Monday that while trash pickup will be delayed as the city focuses on snow removal, public schools are scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, a decision he described as “tough.”
Storm Impacts and Recovery Efforts
The storm, which could bring up to 24 inches of snow to the Northeast, has already caused widespread disruption. As of noon Monday, approximately 657,000 properties across the region – from Boston to Washington, DC – were without power, including at least 20,000 in New York City and on Long Island.
The lifting of the travel ban allowed for the resumption of subway and bus service, with few delays reported by the MTA early Monday afternoon. However, Metro-North is operating on a holiday schedule, with weekend service on branch lines. The Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit remain shut down.
Potential Challenges Ahead
While transportation is beginning to recover, the focus remains on clearing snow and restoring power. It is likely that full service restoration for all transportation systems will take additional time. Continued power outages could likewise present challenges for residents across the affected region.
More than 70 million Americans are affected by the storm. Forecasters warn that the storm could continue to intensify.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of public transportation?
Subways and buses in New York City are operating with few delays as of early Monday afternoon. Metro-North is running on a holiday schedule with weekend service on branch lines. The Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit are currently shut down.
How many people are without power?
Approximately 657,000 properties across the region, from Boston to Washington, DC, are without power as of noon Monday. At least 20,000 of those outages are in New York City and on Long Island.
When will trash pickup resume in New York City?
Trash pickup in New York City will be delayed as the city prioritizes snow removal efforts.
As communities start the process of recovering from this significant weather event, what steps do you think are most crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents?
