New York City experienced heavy snowfall as a powerful winter storm, Winter Storm Hernando, swept through the region, dropping more than a foot of snow in many areas and prompting widespread disruptions.
By early Monday, Central Park, LaGuardia Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport reported approximately 15 inches of snow, while Staten Island received 14 inches and parts of the Bronx and Brooklyn recorded around 12 inches. Snow fell at rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour, accompanied by wind gusts exceeding 60 miles per hour, creating hazardous conditions across the city.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a local state of emergency, banning nonessential traffic from Sunday night to Monday noon. Public and Catholic schools were closed for the city’s first traditional snow day of the winter.
Transit service continued with delays and modifications. MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber noted, “The service is a little less frequent and a little behind schedule on the subways, but it’s running on the whole system.” Metro-North operated hourly service, while Long Island Rail Road remained suspended in parts of Nassau and Suffolk counties. NYC Ferry and Citi Bike also adjusted schedules.
The storm caused power outages affecting thousands of residents, with crews working to restore electricity and clear streets. Officials urged New Yorkers to remain indoors and monitor conditions as snow tapering is expected by late afternoon.
