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NYC Hit by Historic 'Snowbomb'

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/23/nyc-hit-by-historic-snowbomb.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 15:03 GMT by Daily Record
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 23rd, 2026 - New York City is currently experiencing a severe winter weather event, dubbed a 'snowbomb' by meteorologists and residents alike, bringing transportation, commerce, and daily life to a near standstill. The rapid and intense snowfall, far exceeding initial predictions, has blanketed the five boroughs and surrounding areas, creating hazardous conditions and prompting urgent calls for caution from city officials.

The situation escalated rapidly overnight, with snowfall rates peaking at over three inches per hour during the morning commute. While the National Weather Service initially predicted 4 to 8 inches of accumulation, many areas, particularly in Queens and Brooklyn, have already surpassed 12 inches, with some localized reports indicating upwards of 15 inches. The unexpected intensity has overwhelmed early snow removal efforts, leaving many streets impassable.

Mayor Eric Adams held a press conference earlier today, emphasizing the severity of the situation. "This isn't just a typical winter storm," he stated. "We're dealing with a historic snowfall event that requires everyone's cooperation and patience. We urge all New Yorkers to stay home unless absolutely necessary. Your safety is our top priority." The Mayor announced the activation of the city's emergency operations center and the deployment of over 1,600 sanitation trucks to clear primary roadways.

The impact on transportation has been significant. LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark airports have reported hundreds of flight cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. The Port Authority has suspended bus service across all bridges and tunnels, and the subway system is experiencing major disruptions due to track obstructions and signal failures. Limited subway service is operating on a reduced schedule, but riders are advised to expect significant delays and overcrowding.

Road travel has become exceedingly dangerous. The New York State Police have reported numerous accidents, including several involving multiple vehicles. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge was temporarily closed this morning due to whiteout conditions and high winds. Even plowing efforts are being hampered by the sheer volume of snow and the increasingly challenging visibility. Authorities are pleading with drivers to avoid all non-essential travel and to exercise extreme caution if they must be on the roads.

Beyond transportation, the snowstorm has forced the closure of all public schools and universities across the city. Many businesses have also opted to close for the day, allowing employees to work remotely or take a snow day. Grocery stores remain open, but supply chains are already beginning to feel the strain, with reports of shortages of bread, milk, and other essential items.

This event comes after a relatively mild winter for the Northeast, making the sudden and intense snowfall even more surprising. Meteorologists attribute the 'snowbomb' to a unique confluence of factors, including an unusually strong Arctic airmass colliding with a moisture-rich system moving off the Atlantic Ocean. The phenomenon known as "lake effect snow" is also contributing to localized heavier accumulations downwind of the Great Lakes.

The city is bracing for continued snowfall throughout the day and into the night, with temperatures expected to remain well below freezing. Forecasters predict the storm will begin to taper off tomorrow morning, but the cleanup effort is expected to take several days. City officials are urging residents to check on elderly neighbors and those with disabilities, and to be mindful of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning when using alternative heating sources. The city's 311 hotline is experiencing a high volume of calls, but remains the primary resource for information and assistance.