Summary (tl;dr)

New York City and the surrounding Northeast region are bracing for a significant winter storm expected to bring 4 to 10 inches of snow, creating hazardous travel conditions and disrupting post-Christmas plans from Friday evening into Saturday morning. City agencies have activated emergency plans to manage the snowfall, which is anticipated to be the heaviest in years for the city.

Essential Background

The New York City area has not experienced substantial snowfall in recent years, with the last major storm bringing over 8 inches to Central Park in January 2022. This winter, influenced by a weak La Niña, was predicted to start with active winter weather from December through mid-February, with meteorologists anticipating 25 to 35 inches of snow in the 2025-2026 season for the region.

The Full Story

A powerful winter storm is currently impacting New York City and the greater Northeast, with heavy snow beginning on Friday, December 26, 2025, and expected to continue overnight into Saturday morning, December 27, 2025. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for all five boroughs of New York City, as well as parts of northern New Jersey, Long Island, and southwest Connecticut. Forecasts predict accumulated snowfall of 4 to 8 inches in New York City, with isolated totals potentially reaching 10 inches in some areas, especially north and west of the city. Snowfall rates could be heavy, reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour at the storm's peak between Friday evening and early Saturday. City agencies, including the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), have issued Snow Alerts and activated winter weather emergency plans, deploying salt spreaders and plows to pretreat and clear roadways. Hundreds of flights have already been canceled or delayed at major airports in the New York metropolitan area, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.

Why It Matters

This winter storm is significant as it coincides with the busy post-Christmas travel period, leading to major disruptions for residents and travelers alike. The heavy, wet snow, combined with potential sleet and freezing rain in some areas, is creating hazardous road conditions, making driving dangerous and impacting public transportation. The anticipated snowfall is expected to be the most substantial New York City has seen in nearly four years, prompting widespread concern and a surge in searches for weather forecasts and travel advisories. Officials are urging New Yorkers to limit non-essential travel, utilize mass transit if necessary, and stay informed through city alerts to ensure safety and allow emergency crews to operate effectively.

Geographic Location

• New York City, New York, United States (heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions)
• Long Island, New York, United States (heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions)
• Lower Hudson Valley, New York, United States (heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions)
• Northern New Jersey, United States (heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions)
• Southwest Connecticut, United States (heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport, Queens, New York, United States (flight cancellations and delays)
• LaGuardia Airport, Queens, New York, United States (flight cancellations and delays)
• Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, United States (flight cancellations and delays)