New York City’s first major snowstorm in nearly a decade dumped more than a half-foot of snow across the five boroughs Sunday, causing headaches for motorists and thrills for sledders in the parks.
Rising temperatures in the early evening ushered in a wintry mix of snow and freezing rain, according to the National Weather Service. The snow is expected to stick around. The high temperature on Monday is expected to hover near freezing, then barely rise out of the high teens through Friday.
Motorists throughout the region on Sunday largely heeded calls from public officials to stay off roadways, but bundled-up New Yorkers challenged the wind-whipped snow and sleet to walk dogs, try out new skis and sleds, and otherwise get outside.
The NYPD said as many as six New Yorkers died after being found outside in the cold. Mayor Zohran Mamdani mentioned the deaths in a press briefing and a post on social media, but circumstances of the deaths were unclear.
“ We want every single New Yorker to make it through this storm,” Mamdani told an afternoon press briefing. “As we contend with the snow and bracing cold, New Yorkers should rest assured, this is exactly what our city government has prepared for.”
The mayor said a hazardous travel advisory will remain in effect through Monday. The MTA said subways, buses, Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad will all be in service, but commuters should check ahead for any service disruptions. On Sunday, most express trains continued to run local; multiple bus routes were detoured to avoid hills and known trouble spots; and Metro-North ran on a reduced schedule.
Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said due to the extreme weather conditions, all city public schools would be closed Monday, and students would instead participate in remote classes. In New Jersey, where nearly a foot of snow fell in some communities, dozens of school districts called “snow days” for Monday.
The storm has largely grounded air travel in and out of New York City, too. Data from FlightAware on Sunday showed more than 2,700 canceled flights at JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International airport.
NYC Ferry service was suspended. Mamdani said the Staten Island Ferry will still run, but only every hour starting at noon Sunday. And all bus service at the Port Authority Bus Terminal was suspended.
A scene from a Jersey City Street. Nearly a foot of snow fell on parts of the Garden State.
In New Jersey, the state temporarily suspended NJ TRANSIT bus, light rail and Access Link services as of 4 a.m. on Sunday. Rail service was expected to operate until 2 p.m.
“ I can give the people of New Jersey the best possible advice and that advice is don't come out in this if you don't have to, unless it's an emergency,” New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said on WNYC’s Weekend Edition Sunday morning. “Please stay inside today.”
Similarly, Mamdani advised New Yorkers to stay home if they can in order to keep roads clear for sanitation and emergency workers. The Department of Transportation suspended alternative side parking Monday for snow operations.
Mamdani repeatedly praising sanitation and emergency personnel for the work they’ve done and will continue to do in the coming days. The mayor said NYCHA also has additional staffing on hand in case buildings need weather-related repairs.
ConEdison reported only a smattering of power outages in the region. But another casualty of the weather was snacks during the NFL football playoffs. DoorDash, citing the harsh conditions, instituted its "Severe Weather Protocol" and canceled its delivery service for the New York area "at least until" 10 a.m. on Monday.
This story was updated with additional information.
Dog walkers, dogs and others on Willoughby Street near downtown Brooklyn on Jan. 25, 2026.
Extra ambulances are out in the field and the city’s Emergency Operations Center will be prepared to send out new units if any ambulances get stuck in the snow, the mayor said.
He added that ambulances would also receive escorts if necessary.
The city’s emergency management agency warned on social media that storms increase the risk of fires, flooding, crashes and carbon monoxide poisoning.
“Winter weather can become deadly quickly,” the agency said on social media.
Meanwhile, outreach workers canvassed the five boroughs ahead of the storm to offer shelter, Mamdani said. He emphasized that no one who needs cover from the storm will be turned away from city hospitals or from shelters or drop-in centers run by the Department of Homeless Services.
The mayor urged New Yorkers to call 311 if they see someone who needs help getting inside or staying warm, adding that 311 calls will be rerouted through 911.
Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing throughout much of the upcoming week, with highs near 30 degrees Monday before dropping back into the teens and low 20s by Tuesday through Thursday.
“Pretty much highs all next week will be below freezing,” said Matthew Wunsch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
This story includes reporting by Ryan Kost and Caroline Lewis.
