If you haven’t already been alerted by the familiar sound of your radiator putting on its own heavy metal concert, it’s very cold in NYC at the moment. It seems like mother nature hasn’t given us a break this January, with snowy days, icy sidewalks and freezing temperatures greeting us day after day.
And just when it feels like we’ve finally finished digging out, the season is already gearing up for another encore. So what’s next? A major winter storm is expected to sweep into the tri-state area this weekend, with the heaviest impacts arriving Sunday afternoon and evening.
We’ll start with the good news: your late weekend forecast seems to be calling for a cozy day in, curling up under blankets and rewatching your favorite movies. And hey, if you’re a snow lover, maybe there is no bad news here at all. But we know that life still goes on when the weather outside is frightful, so if you’re dreaming of warmer days and worried about things like travel, school closures and how else to prepare for the storm, we have you covered. Remember, we’re in this together, NYC, and it’s important to bundle up, stay warm, and be there for each other in all types of weather.
❄️ A blizzard on the way
If you were hoping for a quiet, snow-free weekend, Mother Nature clearly didn’t get the memo. A major winter storm is set to sweep through NYC this weekend, bringing 6–12 inches of snow and bitterly cold temperatures. The heaviest snowfall is expected Sunday afternoon and evening, so if you have plans, it might be time to reconsider. Streets will be slippery, sidewalks icy, and snowdrifts could pile up faster than you can say “hot cocoa.”
The city isn’t taking chances. Roads are being pre-treated, and nearly 2,000 sanitation workers are on 12-hour shifts starting Saturday to keep streets as clear as possible. The city also has more than 2,000 plows, 700 salt spreaders, and roughly 700 million pounds of salt ready to tackle the storm. Updates from Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani are coming in as the city monitors conditions.
🧣 What should I do to prepare?
Even if you love snow, this is a storm that calls for a little planning. First, think about travel. Avoid unnecessary trips on Sunday and Monday if possible. If you must head out, use handrails, take small careful steps on icy surfaces, and be extra cautious boarding and exiting trains.
Stocking up on food, water, and essentials is a smart move. With the storm expected to disrupt transit and businesses, you don’t want to run out of things you need. Check your heating system, charge your devices, and make sure blankets, winter coats, and boots are easily accessible.
Finally, remember that the city is looking out for those who are most vulnerable. Outreach teams are working ahead of the storm to shelter people experiencing homelessness, and it’s always a good idea to check in with neighbors, friends, or family members who might need extra help during extreme weather.
✏️ How will this affect schools?
For parents, guardians, and students, the snowstorm raises the inevitable question: Will schools be open? NYC has a slightly different approach than most cities—there’s no traditional snow day. Instead, schools will either stay open in person or switch to remote learning if buildings need to close. The final decision will be announced by noon Sunday.
📚 School closures by snowfall
- Less than 6 inches of snow → schools are likely to stay open.
- More than 6 inches of snow → buildings may close, with remote learning in place.
The city is also preparing for remote learning just in case: virtual systems are being tested this weekend, school start times may be staggered, and students have been sent home with devices and instructions.
For Monday specifically, high school students are already off for a Professional Development Day, while elementary and most middle schools are scheduled to be in session. And yes—snowball fights at recess are strongly encouraged.
🚆 What should I know about transit?
A big storm in NYC is always a transit story. The MTA has issued a winter weather advisory, warning that snow may affect subways, buses, LIRR, and Metro-North service. Residents are advised to limit travel if possible and to stay updated in real time via the MTA website, app, TrainTime app, or email/text alerts.
☃️ Service predictions by snowfall
- 1–7 inches of snow → expect regular service, but platforms may have salt or sand
- 8–12 inches of snow → reduced service is likely, particularly on express tracks
- 12+ inches or blizzard conditions → full shutdown possible; travel only if essential
- Subzero temps, ice, sleet, or freezing rain → regular or reduced service; some express trains may be suspended
🚄 How services might be affected
- Subways: Express trains could run local, and some underground lines may see partial or full shutdowns
- Buses: Routes may be canceled, stops skipped, and waits lengthened
- LIRR & Metro-North: Some routes may run on reduced schedules or be suspended entirely
- Staten Island Railway: Local service only, with delays clearing snow; full shutdown is possible
- Access-A-Ride: Service may be delayed or reduced, with shorter reservation windows
- Bridges & tunnels: Expect speed restrictions, reduced capacity, and intermittent closures
The MTA has been preparing: train yards cleared, stations salted, stairs cleared of snow and ice, and buses fitted with snow chains. Special equipment like snowthrowers, de-icers, jet-snowblowers, and third-rail scraper shoes are ready to go.
For this storm specifically, the MTA warns of mass transit delays and cancellations over the weekend. Some above-ground train lines may not run at all, and snowfall of 6–12 inches could force express trains to run local. Residents are encouraged to check updates constantly and plan for extra travel time.
Stay safe out there, NYC! Whether you’re navigating slick sidewalks, digging out your car, or just watching the city transform under a thick layer of snow, take it one step at a time—and maybe enjoy the quiet moments the storm brings. Stay tuned for updates, check in on friends and neighbors, keep your routines flexible, and remember that even a storm this big can’t stop the city from moving, connecting, and, yes, having a little unexpected fun along the way.