A winter storm brought the heaviest snowfall to the New York area in nearly four years, blanketing parts of the US Northeast on Saturday. Central Park recorded 4.3 inches (11cm) of snow, the highest accumulation since January 2022.
Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Travel and Daily Life
The US National Weather Service (NWS) reported snowfall totals reached up to 7.5 inches in other parts of New York state. Neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut also experienced significant snowfall, with Fairfield County, Connecticut, receiving 9.1 inches. In response to the storm, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for more than half of the state’s counties.
The storm caused widespread travel disruptions. More than 900 flights were cancelled, primarily in the New York area, and over 8,000 flights were delayed nationwide, according to FlightAware.
While the heaviest snowfall had passed by Saturday morning, hazardous conditions persisted with below-freezing temperatures and the risk of black ice forming on roads and bridges. State officials activated a “code blue” protocol to ensure the safety of homeless individuals by bringing them indoors.
Looking Ahead
As temperatures remain below freezing, lingering icy conditions could continue to pose challenges for commuters and residents. It is likely that travel delays will persist as airlines work to recover from the backlog of cancellations. The NWS warnings regarding black ice suggest that caution will be needed on roadways for the foreseeable future. Further snowfall is not currently indicated, but continued cold temperatures could exacerbate existing hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much snow fell in Central Park?
Central Park recorded 4.3 inches (11cm) of snow, the highest amount since January 2022.
Which states declared a state of emergency?
New York and New Jersey both declared a state of emergency in response to the winter storm.
How many flights were affected?
More than 900 flights were cancelled, mostly in the New York area, and more than 8,000 were delayed nationwide.
As communities begin to recover from the storm, what steps do you think are most important for ensuring public safety during winter weather events?
