Nor’easter Delivers Punishing Blow to the Big Apple (Image Credits: Hollywoodlife.com)
New York City – A ferocious nor’easter battered the metropolis with over a foot of snow, keeping a citywide travel ban in effect until noon on Monday amid ongoing blizzard conditions.[1]
Nor’easter Delivers Punishing Blow to the Big Apple
The storm ranked among the most intense in recent memory, with early Monday reports showing 15 inches of accumulation in parts of New York City.[1] Officials warned it could enter the city’s top 10 worst blizzards over the past 150 years.[1]
Forecasts predicted totals of 18 to 24 inches across the five boroughs, accompanied by fierce winds that created near-whiteout visibility.[2] The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings through 6 p.m. Monday, urging residents to stay indoors.[3] Power outages affected nearly 600,000 customers across the Northeast, complicating recovery efforts.[4]
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency beforehand, deploying resources including over 100 National Guard members.[5] City crews worked nonstop to clear streets, but deep drifts and ongoing snowfall hampered progress.
Travel Ban Details and Enforcement
Mayor Zohran Mamdani activated the ban starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, closing all streets, highways, bridges, and tunnels to non-essential vehicles.[6] The restriction remained active into Monday morning, with cellphones blaring emergency alerts to enforce compliance.[7]
Exemptions applied only to emergency services, utilities, and medical personnel. Even delivery apps like DoorDash suspended operations citywide.[4] Officials planned to reassess conditions around midday, potentially lifting the order if roads improved.[6]
- Start time: 9 p.m. Sunday, February 22
- Scheduled end: Noon ET, Monday, February 23
- Coverage: All NYC roadways, bridges, and tunnels
- Exceptions: Police, fire, EMS, plows, and essential workers
- Public transit: Subways and buses limited or halted during peak
Broader Regional Disruptions
New Jersey extended its ban until at least 7 a.m., with some areas pushing to noon.[4] Westchester County and Long Island mirrored NYC’s measures, banning non-essential travel through midday.[8]
Snow totals climbed toward two feet in coastal spots, stranding millions and canceling flights at major airports. Schools closed across the Tri-State area, and Broadway dimmed its lights.[9] Warming centers opened for vulnerable residents as temperatures hovered near 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
| Area | Snow So Far | Expected Total |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | 9-15 inches | 18-24 inches |
| New Jersey | 19+ inches | Up to 24 inches |
| Long Island | 12+ inches | 18-24 inches |
Post-Ban Outlook and Safety Measures
Once lifted, drivers faced warnings of “near impossible” conditions from piled snow and ice.[10] Plow teams prioritized major arteries, but secondary streets lagged behind. Coastal flooding added risks along the waterfront.
City Emergency Management urged checking 311 for updates and avoiding unnecessary outings. Residents prepared for a messy commute as the storm tapered off later Monday.
- Travel ban ends at noon unless extended based on road clearance.
- Blizzard warning persists until 6 p.m.; stay vigilant for wind and cold.
- Over a foot of snow already fallen, with more possible in isolated bursts.
This nor’easter tested New York City’s resilience once more, underscoring the need for swift compliance with safety orders. As plows battle the drifts, the path to normalcy begins at noon—but caution remains essential. What are conditions like in your neighborhood? Share in the comments.
