How much snow did New York City get? Deadly travel conditions, power outages, and what to know about the winter storm

A powerful nor’easter has blanketed New York City with more than 15 inches of snow, while parts of Long Island have recorded over 22 inches. Travel bans, flight cancellations and widespread power outages have disrupted millions, as blizzard warnings stretch across the Northeast.

A powerful nor’easter has buried parts of New York City and the wider US east coast under heavy snow, snarling travel, grounding flights and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands.

Forecasters had warned of a major winter storm, but the scale of snowfall and the intensity of the winds have still caught many off guard. With blizzard warnings in place and travel bans issued, millions are waking up to a region transformed, and in many places, shut down.



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How much snow did NYC get?

If you’re wondering how much snow NYC got, the early numbers are striking. The National Weather Service reports more than 15 inches of snow in Central Park. Updated snowfall totals show over 18 inches in Newark and upward of 22 inches at Islip on Long Island.

What are the snowfall totals?

Across the region, snow accumulation in the last 24 hours has varied by location, with snow totals on Long Island among the highest recorded so far. In some communities, up to 2 ft (60cm) of snow is expected before the storm fully moves out.

This blizzard NYC residents are experiencing marks the first time in nine years that the city has been placed under a blizzard warning. Winter storm warnings stretch from North Carolina to northern Maine, with alerts also covering parts of eastern Canada, as quoted in a report by The BBC.

A blizzard warning is issued when sustained winds reach at least 35 mph and visibility drops to a quarter mile or less due to blowing snow for three hours or more, creating dangerous whiteout conditions.


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Why are travel conditions described as “near impossible”?

Authorities in New York have warned that travel conditions are “near impossible” in some areas. In New York City, non-essential travel is banned until midday local time. Streets that are usually bustling are now unusually quiet as residents stay home, as quoted in a report by The BBC.

More than 5,300 flights have been cancelled within, into or out of the US, including more than 500 at both John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia. At LaGuardia alone, 1,025 flights have been cancelled.

NJ Transit has suspended train, bus, light rail and access link services until further notice. In New York City, some express subway trains are running on local tracks, but the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has warned of severe delays. Local buses are running with longer waits, and articulated buses are not operating.

The governors of New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey and other eastern states have declared states of emergency, urging residents to avoid unnecessary journeys, as quoted in a report by The BBC.


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How widespread are the power outages across the Northeast?

The winter storm has also led to significant power outages. According to PowerOutage.us, more than half a million customers across several states are without electricity.

Outage figures include:

Massachusetts – 224,617

New Jersey – 137,608

Delaware – 75,210

Maryland – 29,553

Rhode Island – 42,204

New York – 17,440

Large, heavy snowflakes near the coast—where temperatures hover close to freezing, are increasing the risk of tree branches and power lines snapping under the weight, especially with gusty winds. Inland areas, where temperatures are between -7C and -3C (19F to 27F), are seeing smaller flakes, as quoted in a report by The BBC.

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What are people experiencing on the ground in NYC?

In New York City, snow is described as shin-deep in some areas. Time-lapse footage showed the Empire State Building engulfed by snow overnight as the storm intensified.

For visitors, the storm has created a mix of awe and anxiety. Matt Bowring, visiting from Barry in Wales with his family to celebrate his 50th birthday, described waking up to a transformed city.

From record snowfall totals to grounded flights and widespread power outages, this winter storm has reshaped daily life across the Northeast. As cleanup begins and officials assess the damage, the focus remains on safety in the face of what many are calling one of the region’s most powerful snowstorms in years.

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FAQs

How much snow is NYC getting?
Central Park has recorded over 15 inches, with higher totals reported in Newark and more than 22 inches on Long Island.

Why are there so many power outages?
Heavy, wet snow combined with strong winds has caused tree branches and power lines to collapse in several states.