A powerful winter storm has disrupted one of the busiest travel weekends of the year in New York City and the northeastern US.
Forecasters were predicting 11 inches of snowfall by 1 p.m. Saturday, with the heaviest snowfall expected in northern parts of the New York City and New Jersey metro areas.
By Saturday morning, New York City had received about four inches of snowfall — a little less than expected — and skies were beginning to clear.
The storm has already caused significant disruption to holiday travel.
Still, the storm has already caused significant disruption to holiday travel, with at least 1,500 flights cancelled since Friday night, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware.
The John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, and LaGuardia airports issued snowfall warnings on social media, warning that the weather conditions could cause further flight disruptions.
A pedicab driver dressed as the Grinch stands in snowy Times Square. Photo: Reuters
Snow falling from a snowplough hits people at the Bryant Park Ice Rink in New York City. Photo: Reuters
New York and New Jersey were placed under a state of emergency.
“That white stuff is coming, NYC! We’re ready for whatever we get,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a post on Twitter.
He later shared a post showing salt spreaders and snow removal in force on city roads.
The last time heavy snowfall occurred in the Big Apple was in 2022, when 8 inches of snow fell in Central Park.
“I urge everyone to monitor local forecasts and refrain from unnecessary travel.” If you must travel, it is important to plan ahead, travel at a slow pace, and ensure you have enough time to reach your destination safely, as stated by New York Governor Kathy Hochul in a statement on Friday.
New Jersey Governor Tashea Way wrote on Friday: “Due to the severe snowstorm, with the potential for icy and slippery conditions, I have declared a state of emergency for the entire state beginning at noon today.
“Please monitor official updates and stay off the roads unless necessary. Stay safe, New Jersey!”
A man smiles after shovelling snow with a snowplough. Photo: Reuters
According to the National Weather Service, the New York City area is expected to receive between 2 inches and 5 inches of snowfall, while some areas to the north are expected to get as much as 6 inches of snowfall.
The National Weather Service predicted six to 11 inches of snowfall from upstate New York to Long Island, with the possibility of up to 12 inches.
The New York Department of Sanitation has prepared 700 million pounds of salt to treat icy roads.
A man rides a unicycle in the snow in New York City. Photo: Reuters
A Delta Air Lines plane prepares to take off at Greater Rochester International Airport in New York. Photo: Reuters
Airports across the country have experienced the impact of severe cold.
Travel was delayed in San Francisco and Orlando as snow began falling Friday at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Florida airports also saw hundreds of flight delays, according to Sky’s US partner NBC News.
People walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Photo: Reuters
The Chrysler Building stands behind Grand Central Station as snow falls during a winter storm in New York City. Photo: Reuters
At Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, a resort southeast of Yosemite National Park,
An avalanche injured two ski patrollers on Friday morning, transporting them to the hospital, according to a resort official. The resort has seen more than 5 feet (1.5 metres) of snow since Tuesday.
Expected snowfall in the Sierra Nevada reached up to 2 inches (5 cm) per hour, making mountain pass travel hazardous.
Local officials rescued a backcountry skier who was buried in an avalanche Thursday near Mount Rose Ski Resort on the edge of Reno.
