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NYC Gripped by Historic Blizzard

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. 2026/02/25/nyc-gripped-by-historic-blizzard.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 5:24 GMT by The New York Times
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

NEW YORK - February 25th, 2026 - New York City is currently locked in the grip of a historic blizzard, bringing the nation's most populous city to a near standstill. What was initially forecast as a significant snow event has rapidly escalated into a potentially record-breaking storm, forcing the closure of schools, the suspension of public transportation, and the grounding of all flights. The city, blanketed in rapidly accumulating snow, is heeding warnings from officials to stay indoors and prepare for an extended period of severe weather.

A City Shut Down: The Scale of the Disruption

The impact of the blizzard is being felt across all sectors of New York City life. All public schools, impacting over 1.1 million students, have remained closed since Tuesday, with no immediate indication of when classes will resume. The Department of Education has prioritized student safety, recognizing the impossibility of safe travel even for those with nearby schools. After-school programs and extracurricular activities are similarly canceled, freeing up resources for emergency preparedness.

The most dramatic disruption centers around transportation. In an unprecedented move, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) made the difficult decision to completely suspend subway and commuter rail service. This drastic measure, designed to protect the complex rail infrastructure from crippling snow and ice accumulation and to ensure passenger safety, has effectively halted a major artery of the city's daily life. While buses are attempting to operate, they are experiencing severe delays and significant route deviations due to impassable streets.

Above the city, the skies are eerily empty. All flights have been grounded at all three major airports - John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport - leaving thousands of travelers stranded and causing ripple effects throughout the national air travel network. Airlines are working to accommodate passengers, but rebooking options are limited, and delays are expected to continue for several days following the storm's peak.

Record-Breaking Snowfall and Hazardous Conditions

The National Weather Service is reporting snowfall rates peaking at an astonishing 3 inches per hour. Current projections estimate total snowfall accumulation will range from 24 to 36 inches across the five boroughs, with some areas, particularly those in the eastern parts of the city and Long Island, potentially exceeding 40 inches. The combination of heavy snowfall and sustained winds exceeding 40 mph is creating true blizzard conditions, characterized by near-zero visibility and dangerous wind chills.

"This is not a storm to be taken lightly," Mayor Eleanor Reynolds emphasized during a press conference Tuesday evening, and again this morning. "We are facing a potentially historic event, and the safety of our residents is our top priority. We implore everyone to remain indoors, avoid all unnecessary travel, and allow our dedicated crews to focus on clearing the streets and restoring essential services."

Emergency Response and Community Support The severity of the storm has prompted the declaration of a state of emergency for New York City and surrounding areas. This allows for the rapid deployment of emergency resources, including snowplows, ambulances, and personnel from various city agencies. The city is actively coordinating with state and federal partners to ensure an adequate supply of essential resources.

Beyond the official response, community members are being encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbors, particularly the elderly and individuals with disabilities, to ensure they have access to essential supplies and assistance. Local shelters are preparing to accommodate those without adequate heating or shelter, and warming centers have been established throughout the city.

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Long-Term Impacts

The blizzard is expected to continue throughout Wednesday and into Thursday morning, with snowfall gradually tapering off. However, the recovery process will likely be lengthy and challenging. The massive amount of snow will require a coordinated and sustained effort to clear streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. Concerns are also mounting about the potential for roof collapses due to the weight of the snow, and building inspectors are preparing to assess structures throughout the city.

The economic impact of the blizzard is also expected to be significant, with businesses forced to close, supply chains disrupted, and tourism taking a hit. While the full extent of the damage remains to be seen, officials are confident that New York City will once again demonstrate its resilience and recover from this unprecedented weather event.