UPDATE: On Sunday, January 25th at 5pm ET, the MTA revealed on Instagram Stories that the the Long Island Rail Road will operate on a weekend schedule systemwide. Two hours later, the MTA followed up with an Instagram Story announcing that the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines on the Metro-North will run on a reduced schedule every two hours. There are delays across subway lines, according to the MTA website.
]The first flakes of what promises to be a major winter storm are getting ready to fall, and New Yorkers are scrambling to get ahead of it. From stocking up on essentials to planning for potential school and transit disruptions, the city is bracing for days of snow, ice, and below-freezing temperatures.
The storm is expected to arrive in full force late this weekend, bringing 6–12 inches of snow and dangerously cold temperatures. The heaviest snowfall is likely Sunday afternoon and evening, and roads, sidewalks, and public spaces may become slippery and difficult to navigate. City crews are already pre-treating streets, deploying plows, and preparing salt spreaders, while sanitation workers are set to work around the clock to keep things moving.
The best way to ride out the storm is to head indoors whenever possible. We encourage all of our neighbors across the boroughs to stay safe and limit travel whenever possible, but we know life in the city doesn’t pause for the weather. If you do need to be out and about, we’ve got you covered with what to expect from NYC transit services in the days to come.
🚇 Subways and busses
The MTA says subways and buses will continue running, with real-time updates available on the MTA app and website. Outdoor tracks—spanning 220 miles—are receiving special attention, including snow-fighting trains and de-icing systems. Buses are equipped with tire chains, though long articulated buses have been removed from service for safety. Cross-honoring across the transit system is in effect.
In a statement this Friday, MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said:
We have detailed plans in place for storms like this to protect the network, to protect our riders, to protect our employees. We preposition a ton of equipment and personnel…We’ll be focused on making sure that those continue to be operational with our snow-fighting trains, with the de-icing systems. The same goes for the commuter railroads.
❤️ Traveling safely
Winter storms can make even familiar streets feel like a slippery obstacle course, so a little caution goes a long way. The MTA recommends taking precautions like utilizing handrails in stations and on trains, watching your step boarding and exiting, and avoiding dashing along the icy services, even if you’re rushing to catch a train. Of course, stay alert for station announcements and digital signage, and double check the weather and service status before leaving home.
📱 How to get real-time updates
Don’t get caught off guard by last-minute service changes. The MTA homepage and app have the latest updates, while email and text alerts let you know what’s happening before you even leave the house. LIRR and Metro-North riders can also use the TrainTime app to chat and check real-time service.
❄️ Service estimates based on weather
The MTA lines up a system based on weather, and though every storm is different, here’s an idea of what to expect ahead of the upcoming snow.
- Storm warning / light snow (1–7 inches): Regular service, with salt and sand on platforms
- Moderate snow (8–12 inches): Reduced service, especially on express tracks
- Heavy snow or blizzard (12+ inches): Possible system shutdown; only essential travel recommended
- Subzero temps, no snow: Regular or reduced service, depending on where trains are stored
- Ice, sleet, freezing rain: Regular or reduced service; express trains may be rerouted
We’ll keep you posted on any updates as we gear up for this storm. Until then, bundle up, stay safe, and don’t forget—hot cocoa makes any snowstorm better.