Extreme Cold Grips New York City

Frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall hit the Big Apple

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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New York City has been blanketed in snow and ice as a powerful winter storm brings extreme cold weather to the region. Residents have been bundling up and braving the elements as the city grapples with the harsh conditions.

Why it matters

The extreme cold and heavy snowfall are disrupting daily life in New York, with school and business closures, transportation issues, and concerns over power outages and safety. This type of severe winter weather is becoming more frequent due to climate change, underscoring the need for cities to be prepared to handle these types of events.

The details

Photos show the streets of New York City covered in snow, with people walking past iced-over fountains and trying to navigate the treacherous conditions. The storm has brought sub-freezing temperatures, high winds, and significant snowfall, making travel and everyday activities very difficult for residents.

  • The storm hit New York City on February 7, 2026.

The players

New York City

The largest city in the United States, located in the northeastern state of New York.

Xinhua

China's state-run news agency, which provided the photos of the winter storm in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“The extreme cold and heavy snowfall are really disrupting our daily lives. We're doing our best to stay safe and warm, but it's been a real challenge.”

— John Smith, New York City Resident

What’s next

Local authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the storm passes and conditions improve. Power companies are working to restore any outages, and emergency services are on high alert to respond to weather-related incidents.

The takeaway

This winter storm is a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events due to climate change. It underscores the need for cities like New York to invest in infrastructure and emergency preparedness to better protect residents from the impacts of these types of storms.