New York, NY – Drivers across New York City and Long Island faced snow-choked highways and flight disruptions before sunrise Monday as snowfall totals climbed past 20 inches in some areas, straining plow crews and grounding travel plans.
According to the US National Weather Service in New York, 7 a.m. reporting sites showed Islip leading the region with 22.5 inches of snow. Newark Liberty International Airport measured 18.3 inches, matching totals at the National Weather Service office in Upton. Central Park recorded 15.1 inches, while LaGuardia Airport reported 15.1 inches and JFK Airport 15.0 inches.
The weight of the snow slowed traffic along the Long Island Expressway, Northern State Parkway and portions of I-95 through the Bronx. The Port Authority reported delays and cancellations at Newark, LaGuardia and JFK as crews worked to clear runways and taxiways. Suburban roads in Suffolk and Nassau counties remained snow-packed through the early morning commute.
Officials urged residents to avoid non-essential travel, clear snow from vents to prevent carbon monoxide buildup, and check on elderly neighbors. Alternate side parking rules were suspended in parts of the city to allow plows to operate more efficiently.
Additional cleanup continues through Monday, and officials warn that refreezing could create icy patches overnight as temperatures drop. More advisories may follow if lingering snow showers redevelop.
