Summary (tl;dr)

The New York City metropolitan area and surrounding regions are currently experiencing a significant winter storm, bringing heavy snowfall, hazardous travel conditions, and widespread flight cancellations, prompting state of emergency declarations in New York and New Jersey.

Essential Background

The region has been under an active winter weather pattern this December, with several plowable events occurring before Christmas. Forecasts leading up to this post-Christmas storm warned of its potential severity, with meteorologists closely monitoring its track and expected snowfall totals, indicating it could be the most significant snowstorm for New York City since January 2022.

The Full Story

A major winter storm began impacting New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut on Friday, December 26, 2025, and is continuing into Saturday morning, December 27, 2025. Snowfall rates have been intense, reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour in some areas, with localized rates potentially exceeding 2 inches per hour, particularly across central and eastern Long Island and the Hudson Valley. While New York City initially anticipated 7-11 inches, some forecasts were revised down to 2-5 inches for the five boroughs due to a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Conversely, parts of the Hudson Valley could see 6-17 inches of snow, and eastern Long Island is bracing for 4-9 inches. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for over two dozen counties, including those in the New York City, Mid-Hudson, and Long Island regions, and New Jersey also declared a state of emergency. All three major airports serving the New York City area – John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) – have reported hundreds of flight delays and cancellations, with thousands of travelers affected during the busy post-Christmas period. New York City's Department of Sanitation has deployed salt spreaders and plows, while officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel and utilize public transportation.

Why It Matters

This winter storm is causing significant disruptions to holiday travel and daily life across the heavily populated Northeast, leading to hazardous driving conditions and potential power outages. The state of emergency declarations underscore the severity of the event, allowing agencies to better coordinate resources and response efforts. With a mix of snow and freezing rain affecting various areas, the risk of dangerous icy conditions is a major concern, impacting safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. The extensive flight cancellations and delays at major airports are stranding travelers and impacting post-holiday plans for thousands.

Geographic Location

• New York City, New York, United States (winter storm, state of emergency, flight disruptions, travel advisories)
• Long Island, New York, United States (heavy snowfall, winter storm warnings)
• Hudson Valley, New York, United States (heavy snowfall, winter storm warnings)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, United States (flight delays and cancellations)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Queens, New York, United States (flight delays and cancellations)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Queens, New York, United States (flight delays and cancellations)
• New Jersey, United States (state of emergency, winter storm warnings, icy conditions)
• Connecticut, United States (winter storm warnings, heavy snowfall)
• Multiple counties, New York, United States (state of emergency)