A powerful blizzard warning has brought New York City to a standstill as NYC weather conditions rapidly deteriorated under the impact of Winter Storm Hernando. The historic winter system has forced city officials to declare a State of Emergency and issue a strict NYC travel ban, impacting millions across the Tri-State area.
With snowfall totals climbing into double digits and wind gusts creating near whiteout conditions, this storm is being described as one of the most disruptive winter events to hit the region in nearly a decade.
Blizzard Warning Issued for NYC, Long Island, and New Jersey
The National Weather Service has officially issued a Blizzard Warning for New York City, Long Island, and parts of New Jersey. According to meteorologists, the combination of heavy snowfall, sustained winds over 35 mph, and dangerously low visibility meets the criteria for a full blizzard event.
Forecasters warn that travel is “nearly impossible” in many areas due to:
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Intense snowfall rates of 1–3 inches per hour
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Wind gusts exceeding 40 mph
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Severe drifting snow
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Visibility reduced to less than a quarter mile
Weather experts have also categorized Winter Storm Hernando as a possible “bomb cyclone,” meaning the storm rapidly intensified in a short period — significantly worsening NYC weather conditions overnight.
NYC Travel Ban and State of Emergency Announced
In response to the escalating blizzard warning, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a State of Emergency and implemented a citywide NYC travel ban.
NYC Travel Ban Details
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Effective: Sunday 9:00 PM through Monday 12:00 PM
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Applies To: All non-essential vehicles
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Restricted Areas: City streets, bridges, and tunnels
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Allowed Vehicles: Emergency services, MTA buses, and authorized essential personnel only
The purpose of the NYC travel ban is to keep roadways clear for snowplows, emergency responders, and sanitation crews battling the heavy snowfall.
Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has also declared a State of Emergency, placing travel restrictions on major highways across the state.
Officials stress that violating the travel ban could result in fines and vehicle impoundment.
NYC Weather Snow Totals: How Much Has Fallen?
As of early Monday morning, snowfall accumulation varies widely across the region. Here are the latest reported totals:
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Central Park: 9.3 inches
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Staten Island: 14.0 inches
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Nesconset, Suffolk County: 14.2 inches
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Leonia, NJ: 13.0 inches
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Newark, NJ: 11.1 inches
Meteorologists predict final accumulations could reach 12 to 24 inches in some areas before the storm tapers off.
The snow is heavy and wet, increasing the risk of:
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Power outages
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Tree damage
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Structural stress on rooftops
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Hazardous road conditions
Residents are urged to stay indoors until the blizzard warning expires.
Transit Shutdown: NYC Transportation Severely Impacted
The severe NYC weather has crippled transportation networks across the region.
NYC Public Schools Closed
The New York City Department of Education announced that all NYC public schools are CLOSED Monday. Officials confirmed this is a traditional snow day, with no remote learning scheduled.
MTA Service Adjustments
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reports:
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Subway lines running on a limited weekday schedule
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Outdoor portions of tracks vulnerable to delays
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MTA buses operating under emergency protocols
Rail Services Suspended
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Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) suspended service at 1:00 AM Monday
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NJ Transit suspended all rail, bus, and light rail services
Airport Disruptions
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has suspended most airport operations, resulting in more than 5,000 flight cancellations.
Major airports impacted include:
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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
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LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
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Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Travelers are advised to check directly with airlines for rescheduling policies.
Snow Removal Efforts Across NYC
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has mobilized a massive winter response operation.
Snow Response Deployment
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700+ salt spreaders
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Thousands of snowplows
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Continuous 24-hour operations
Residents can track snow removal progress in real time through the official PlowNYC portal at nyc.gov/plownyc.
The NYC travel ban helps ensure plows can clear roads efficiently without obstruction from non-essential vehicles.
Sidewalk Clearing Rules for NYC Residents
Property owners are legally required to clear sidewalks adjacent to their buildings.
NYC Snow Removal Rules:
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If snowfall stops by 5:00 PM → sidewalks must be cleared within 4 hours
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If snowfall stops overnight → sidewalks must be cleared by 11:00 AM
Failure to comply can result in fines.
Clearing sidewalks is essential for pedestrian safety, especially during a blizzard warning when icy conditions increase the risk of slips and falls.
Why This Blizzard Warning Is Significant
This storm stands out not only for its heavy snow totals but also for its timing and intensity. Winter Storm Hernando intensified rapidly, catching some residents off guard despite advance forecasts.
Several factors make this storm historically impactful:
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High snowfall rates combined with strong winds
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Widespread transportation shutdowns
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Strict NYC travel ban enforcement
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Multi-state emergency declarations
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Potential infrastructure strain
Compared to previous NYC weather events over the past decade, this blizzard ranks among the most disruptive.
Safety Tips During a Blizzard Warning
If you are currently in New York City or the surrounding Tri-State region, follow these critical safety guidelines:
Stay Indoors
Avoid unnecessary travel while the NYC travel ban remains active.
Prepare for Power Outages
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Charge electronic devices
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Keep flashlights and batteries accessible
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Avoid using open flames indoors
Check on Vulnerable Neighbors
Elderly residents and individuals with disabilities may need assistance.
Avoid Shoveling Too Quickly
Heavy snow can strain the heart. Take breaks and avoid overexertion.
When Will NYC Weather Improve?
Meteorologists expect the heaviest snowfall to taper off later Monday afternoon, though gusty winds may continue into the evening. Road conditions may remain hazardous even after the blizzard warning expires due to ice formation and refreezing.
Officials will reassess the NYC travel ban once plowing operations make significant progress.
Residents should monitor official city alerts and weather updates before resuming normal activities.
Final Thoughts: Blizzard Warning Disrupts NYC Travel and Daily Life
Winter Storm Hernando has dramatically reshaped NYC weather conditions, triggering a full-scale emergency response. The blizzard warning and strict NYC travel ban underscore the severity of this event.
With snow totals potentially reaching two feet in some areas, transportation shutdowns across major rail lines, airports, and roadways highlight the storm’s unprecedented impact.
As crews continue snow removal efforts, New Yorkers are urged to prioritize safety, comply with travel restrictions, and stay informed through official channels.
If you need updates on school reopening schedules, airport rescheduling policies, or the latest NYC weather alerts, let me know — I can provide real-time guidance.