New York City experienced its heaviest snowfall in nearly four years, disrupting travel and prompting a state of emergency across more than half of New York state's counties. Central Park recorded 4.3 inches (11cm) of snow, the highest accumulation since January 2022, while other areas of the state saw up to 7.5 inches, according to the US National Weather Service (NWS).

The winter storm led to the cancellation of nearly 700 domestic flights, primarily in the New York area, and delayed more than 3,000 flights nationwide on Saturday, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking website. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared the state of emergency in anticipation of the storm's impact.

Neighboring states also felt the effects of the weather system. New Jersey declared a state of emergency, and Connecticut reported 9.1 inches of snowfall in Fairfield County. From Syracuse in central New York to Long Island in the southeast, snowfall ranged from approximately 6 to 10 inches by early Saturday.

Winter storms are a recurring phenomenon in the northeastern United States, often impacting transportation, infrastructure, and daily life. The region's proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and colder air masses from Canada creates conditions conducive to significant snowfall events. Emergency declarations, like the one issued by Governor Hochul, are a common measure to mobilize resources and coordinate response efforts across affected areas. Such measures often involve activating the National Guard, prepositioning equipment, and issuing travel advisories to minimize risks to the public.

While the worst of the storm had passed by Saturday morning, temperatures remained low. Authorities continued to advise caution on roadways and encouraged residents to monitor weather updates. The Northeast, like many regions in the Northern Hemisphere, is accustomed to managing winter weather, but the intensity and timing of storms can still pose significant challenges to infrastructure and logistical systems.