New York: Snow has brought widespread disruption across New York and neighbouring states after a powerful winter storm swept through the north-eastern United States during peak travel season.
New York City has recorded its most significant snowfall since January 2022, with Central Park measuring 4.3 inches, while other parts of New York state have seen accumulations of up to 7.5 inches, according to the US National Weather Service.
The heavy snow has prompted New York Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency across more than half of the state’s counties ahead of the storm’s arrival. Authorities have warned that although snowfall has eased in some areas, freezing temperatures continue to pose risks through black ice forming on roads and bridges.
Air travel has been severely affected as snow conditions worsened. Flight tracking service FlightAware has reported that more than 900 flights were cancelled on Saturday, most of them in the New York metropolitan area. Nationwide, more than 8,000 flights were delayed as airlines struggled to manage weather-related disruptions.
Major airports, including John F Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, have advised passengers to expect delays and cancellations. More than half of all affected flights have been linked to operations at these three hubs.
Snowfall totals of between 6 and 10 inches have been reported from Syracuse in central New York to Long Island, while neighbouring New Jersey and Connecticut have also experienced heavy snow. New Jersey authorities declared a state of emergency, and Fairfield County in Connecticut recorded snowfall of more than 9 inches.
Local officials have also taken steps to protect vulnerable residents as snow and cold temperatures persist. New York state has activated a ‘code blue’ emergency response, enabling shelters to bring homeless people indoors to protect them from freezing conditions.
Meteorologists have said the worst of the snowstorm in New York has passed, but lingering cold weather continues to challenge travel and infrastructure. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, limit unnecessary travel and monitor weather updates as conditions stabilise.
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