Historic Snowstorm Paralyzes New York City

Record snowfall brings travel to a standstill and forces widespread closures across the Northeast

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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New York City is grappling with a historic snowstorm that has brought travel to a standstill and forced widespread closures, with some areas receiving up to 23 inches of snow. The storm, described as a 'bomb cyclone' by forecasters, began on Sunday and intensified through Monday, leaving a thick blanket of snow across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The severity of the snowfall is unprecedented in recent years, with the city not seeing this much snow in years. The impact on transportation has been substantial, with MTA buses navigating snow-covered streets, flights cancelled, and commuters waiting for trains in the snow.

Why it matters

The historic snowstorm has had a significant impact on daily life in New York City, with widespread disruptions to transportation, school and office closures, and the transformation of iconic landmarks. The storm highlights the challenges of winter weather in the region and the importance of preparedness for such extreme weather events.

The details

The storm brought blizzard conditions with the potential of up to 23 inches of snow in New York City. Central Park recorded 50cm (19.7in) of snow, while Bliss Corner in Massachusetts saw up to 94cm (37in), setting a new state record in Rhode Island with 97cm (37.9in). The impact on transportation has been substantial, with MTA buses navigating snow-covered streets, LaGuardia Airport experiencing significant disruptions, and more than 5,000 flights cancelled across the region. Beyond transportation, the storm has impacted daily life, with schools closed, offices and transit systems operating on emergency schedules, and even iconic New York landmarks affected.

  • The storm began on Sunday and intensified through Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • Central Park recorded 50cm (19.7in) of snow.
  • Bliss Corner in Massachusetts saw up to 94cm (37in), setting a new state record in Rhode Island with 97cm (37.9in).
  • The storm has now moved into Nova Scotia, Canada, but warnings remain in place for heavy snow and strong winds.
  • Another fast-moving system, an Alberta Clipper, will bring snow and ice to the Great Lakes and north-east by midweek, though snow totals will be smaller.

The players

New York City

The city grappling with the historic snowstorm that has brought travel to a standstill and forced widespread closures.

MTA

The public transportation system in New York City that has been navigating snow-covered streets with its buses and working to clear snow from subway stations.

LaGuardia Airport

The airport in New York City that has experienced significant disruptions due to the snowstorm, with airport luggage carts sitting idle in empty parking lots and passengers forced to sleep on benches as flights were cancelled.

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What’s next

Another fast-moving system, an Alberta Clipper, will bring snow and ice to the Great Lakes and north-east by midweek, though snow totals will be smaller. The region is expected to remain cold throughout the week, with frost at night and daytime highs just above freezing.

The takeaway

The historic snowstorm has highlighted the challenges of winter weather in the region and the importance of preparedness for such extreme weather events. The widespread disruptions to transportation, school and office closures, and the transformation of iconic landmarks underscore the significant impact this storm has had on daily life in New York City.