NYC Braces for 24 Inches of Snow, Blizzard Conditions

New York City has enacted a travel ban for non-essential vehicles from Sunday evening to Monday noon as a potent nor'easter rapidly develops into a bomb cyclone. This significant winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall, potentially reaching up to 24 inches, accompanied by damaging winds and blizzard conditions to the Northeast.

This marks the first blizzard warning issued for New York City in nine years. Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to avoid all non-essential travel, highlighting the dangers of melting and refreezing snow creating icy sidewalks and streets. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the severity of the storm.

New York City schools will be closed on Monday, a closure not seen since 2019. Forecasters predict snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, with winds potentially gusting up to 60 mph. The National Weather Service warns of dangerous or impossible travel conditions due to heavy snow, blowing snow, whiteouts, and strong winds, which could lead to downed tree limbs and power outages.

While snowfall is expected to decrease by Monday afternoon, strong winds and coastal flooding risks will persist, potentially complicating cleanup efforts and prolonging transit disruptions across the region.