NEW YORK — New York City is beginning the slow process of digging out this Wednesday, February 25, 2026, following a historic late-winter blizzard that paralyzed the Tri-State area over the last 72 hours. The “bomb cyclone” nor’easter, which triggered the city’s first blizzard warning since 2017, has left a significant mark on the record books and the city’s infrastructure.
Snowfall Totals and Record-Breaking Accumulation
The storm, which intensified rapidly between Sunday and Monday, delivered massive snowfall totals across the five boroughs. While Central Park averages roughly 29.8 inches of snow for an entire season, this single event challenged those figures in just two days. Preliminary reports indicate:
- LaGuardia Airport: 14.4 inches
- Islip (Suffolk County): 19.6 inches
- Central Park: Estimates ranging between 13 and 18 inches, with some localized areas seeing up to 24 inches.
This event follows a previous heavy snowfall earlier in February, making this one of the snowiest months in New York City history. For comparison, the all-time record for a single storm in Central Park remains 27.5 inches, set in January 2016.
Travel Disruptions and State of Emergency
Governor Kathy Hochul’s state of emergency remains a critical factor for commuters today. While the “near impossible” travel conditions reported on Monday and Tuesday have slightly improved, the aftermath continues to cause “travel chaos.”
- Aviation: More than 5,600 flights were canceled during the peak of the storm. Travelers are advised to check flight statuses before heading to JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark.
- Mass Transit: The MTA is working to restore full service on bus and rail lines. Many lines were snarled through Tuesday, and some delays persist as crews clear tracks and stations.
- Roads: A total travel ban was instituted at the height of the storm. While bans have eased, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) continues to urge property owners to clear sidewalks and warns of hazardous icy patches.
Public Safety and Recovery Efforts
The DSNY issued a snow alert on February 22, deploying new strategies to manage the second major storm in less than 30 days. Despite the intensity of the blizzard, public insights suggest that tourist areas are being prioritized for clearing. However, residents in outer boroughs are reporting slower recovery times for side streets.
Forecasters note that while the immediate threat of the blizzard has passed, the region remains under a watchful eye for “another potential snow storm” mentioned in early models for the coming week. For now, Wednesday’s focus remains on power restoration and clearing the feet of snow that have left the city “snarled.”
What’s Next for NYC Weather?
As the storm exits toward New England—where some areas in Rhode Island reported up to three feet of snow—New Yorkers can expect a brief reprieve. However, with February being historically the snowiest month for the city (averaging 6.1 inches), the 2025-2026 winter season is proving to be one of the most volatile in recent memory, contrasting sharply with the record-low snowfall years of the early 2020s.