New York City experienced its heaviest snowfall in nearly four years, disrupting travel and prompting a state of emergency declaration 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 significant travel disruptions, with more than 900 flights cancelled, primarily in the New York area, and over 8,000 flights delayed nationwide on Saturday, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking website. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared the state of emergency ahead of the storm's arrival.
Neighboring states also felt the impact of the storm. New Jersey declared a state of emergency, and Connecticut experienced heavy snowfall, with Fairfield County recording 9.1 inches. By Saturday morning, snowfall ranged from 6 to 10 inches from Syracuse in central New York to Long Island in the southeast.
Winter storms in the northeastern United States are a recurring phenomenon, often impacting major metropolitan areas and transportation hubs. The region's infrastructure, while generally well-equipped for snow removal, can be overwhelmed by particularly heavy or prolonged snowfall. The economic impact of such storms can be substantial, affecting businesses, tourism, and daily commutes.
The recent disruptions echo similar events in other parts of the world where heavy snowfall can paralyze cities and regions. For example, cities in Japan, known for their efficient public transportation, have faced significant challenges during periods of heavy snow, leading to train delays and road closures. Similarly, in parts of Europe, heavy snowfall can disrupt air travel and ground transportation, affecting international connectivity.
While the worst of the storm had passed by Saturday morning, temperatures remained low.
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