A Snowy Holiday Mess: Flights Grounded, But City Streets Clear

New York City and North Jersey experienced a recent snowstorm with varying effects. While the city saw only a few inches of snow, airports like JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark faced significant delays and cancellations. The storm was most severe in areas like Long Island and Connecticut, where snow piled up to nine inches.

Snowfall Totals and Conditions

• NYC Snowfall: Ranged from two to four inches, with Central Park receiving 4.3 inches.
• This was the first time since January 2022 that Central Park saw more than four inches of snow.

• The lower totals were due to a mix of snow and sleet, making it harder for snow to accumulate.

• Heaviest Snowfall: Fell east of the city, including:
• Lower Hudson Valley
• Southern Connecticut
• Long Island
• Some parts of Connecticut received up to nine inches.

Transportation and Travel Disruptions

• Roads: City officials reported roads were fine but advised drivers to be cautious.
• Subways: The Q train was rerouted, and minor delays occurred.
• Airports:
• JFK: Nearly 200 flights canceled, 137 delayed.
• LaGuardia: 100 cancellations, 70 delays.
• Newark: Over 100 cancellations, 60 delays.

City Response and Future Forecast

• Sanitation Efforts:
• Salting began on Friday, with plows operating all night.
• By Saturday morning, every street in NYC had been plowed and salted at least once.
• Future Weather:
• Sunday: Highs near 40 degrees.
• Monday: Highs in the lower 50s.
• Rain expected from Sunday night into Monday.