New York experiences its heaviest snowfall in nearly 4 years, disrupting travel as a powerful winter storm sweeps the US Northeast and beyond.

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New York snowfall: Heaviest in Nearly Four Years Disrupts Travel

By Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu, New York City

Heaviest New York snowfall Since 2022

On Saturday morning, residents of New York awoke to the city’s most significant snowfall in nearly four years. Central Park measured 4.3 inches (11 cm) of snow, marking its highest total since January 2022. Other regions in the state experienced up to 7.5 inches, as reported by the US National Weather Service (NWS).

In anticipation of the winter storm, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for over half of the state’s counties. The declaration aimed to streamline emergency response and ensure residents’ safety as conditions rapidly deteriorated.

Travel Chaos Across the Region

The New York snowfall created considerable disruptions in air and ground travel. Nearly 700 domestic flights—mainly in the New York area—were canceled, while more than 3,000 flights experienced delays nationwide, according to FlightAware.

Stranded passengers faced prolonged waits at airports such as LaGuardia and JFK, with some seeking shelter inside terminals until services could resume safely.

Snow Totals Impact the Entire Northeast

By early Saturday, between 6 and 10 inches of snow had been reported from Syracuse in central New York to Long Island in the southeast. Neighboring states also felt the brunt of the storm. In New Jersey—a state also under a state of emergency—and Connecticut, snowfall totals were especially high, with Fairfield County, CT, receiving 9.1 inches.

Emergency Responses and Aftermath

Although the worst of the New York snowfall had passed by Saturday morning, subfreezing temperatures kept roads icy and hazardous. Authorities encouraged residents to remain indoors while crews worked to clear streets and restore normal operations.

The state implemented a “code blue” initiative, expanding shelter access to bring homeless individuals inside from the dangerously cold temperatures. For more details on city responses to emergencies, visit our guide on emergency responses in New York.

Wider Impact: Storms Across the US

While the Northeast contended with heavy snow, California was recovering from a different kind of winter storm—one that brought mudslides and severe flooding to the southern part of the state. Cars were buried in rivers of mud, demonstrating the widespread and varied impact of winter weather across the US.

Staying Safe During Major Snowfall Events

• Regularly check local news and official updates.
• Limit travel unless absolutely necessary.
• Dress warmly and take precautions against frostbite or hypothermia.
• Help neighbors, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.

For comprehensive tips on preparing for winter weather, the Ready.gov Winter Weather Guide provides valuable resources.

Conclusion

The recent New York snowfall underscores the power and unpredictability of winter storms in the region. As the state recovers, authorities urge continued vigilance and preparedness. For ongoing updates on regional weather and travel, stay tuned to local news outlets.

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Read the original article on BBC News