Blizzard leads to cancellation of thousands of flights as New York City prepares for 18 to 22 inches of snow.
New forecasts indicate that New York City may experience a significant snowstorm, with projections suggesting accumulations of nearly two feet in some areas. As the five boroughs prepare for what could be a record-setting blizzard, officials from the city’s Office of Emergency Management have announced that light snow will start falling on Sunday, potentially intensifying rapidly as the evening progresses. The storm is expected to begin around 9 p.m. Sunday and could persist until 9 a.m. the following morning.
Emergency management officials have warned that snowfall rates could climb to between two and three inches per hour, leading to total snow accumulation of 18 to 22 inches, with possibly higher totals in regions experiencing heavy snow bands. Moreover, wind gusts could reach up to 55 mph, contributing to blowing and drifting snow that may result in whiteout conditions and severe travel hazards. Vulnerable coastal areas are also facing the potential for moderate flooding during high tide.
Earlier predictions had suggested total accumulations ranging from 13 to 17 inches, but as the storm’s trajectory became clearer on Sunday, forecasts grew increasingly severe. The anticipated weather conditions have already led to considerable disruptions at local airports, with flight tracking data revealing that nearly 2,200 flights were canceled by late Sunday morning across John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark airports.
In anticipation of the approaching storm, the National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning across New York City as well as Long Island, southern Connecticut, and much of New Jersey. It is noteworthy that New York City last received a blizzard warning in 2017.
Emergency preparations are underway, with Mayor Mamdani announcing the activation of homeless outreach teams to operate around the clock in response to the severe winter weather. The Sanitation Department has also stated it is ready to tackle the anticipated snowfall.
This impending storm could rank as one of the most significant in the last century and a half for the city. Previous major snowfall events include a record-setting 27.5 inches recorded in January 2016, which surpassed historical totals of 26.9 inches in February 2006 and 26.4 inches in a post-Christmas storm in 1947. Authorities are taking necessary precautions to mitigate the effect of the storm on city infrastructure and the safety of residents.
As the storm’s impact unfolds, residents are advised to take necessary safety measures and stay informed through official channels.
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