NYC Faces Hazardous Travel Conditions as Snow Falls

Jan 19, 2026, 2:45 AM

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New York City and the Tri-State area are grappling with messy travel conditions as a winter storm brings steady snowfall across the region on Sunday evening. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect, forecasting accumulations of 1 to 3 inches of snow, particularly affecting New York City, Long Island, and areas north and east of the city.

The storm has already caused significant disruptions in travel, with nearly 900 flights delayed at the three major airports due to hazardous conditions and the presence of black ice on roadways. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported that nearly 1,000 sanitation workers were deployed, utilizing over 700 salt spreaders to manage the snow. This number is expected to double to about 2,000 workers as the storm progresses.

The snowfall is anticipated to stick more than previous storms, as temperatures continue to drop. The NYC Department of Emergency Management has activated the city's winter weather emergency plan and issued a travel advisory, warning that the heaviest accumulation is expected between 8 am and noon on Sunday. Acting NYC Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan emphasized the importance of caution, stating, "Take it easy, take it slow. We've had instances where we have treated the roadways and motorists are just going a little too fast".

Despite the challenging weather, some residents are braving the conditions. Eyewitness News spoke with David Lee, a regular runner in Central Park, who decided to continue his routine despite the snow. "I was conflicted a little bit... but yeah, I'm ok and I'm out here," he said, highlighting the determination of some New Yorkers to maintain their outdoor activities even in adverse weather conditions.

City officials are urging residents to stay informed about the storm's impact and the city's response. For real-time updates, residents can visit the city's Severe Weather website at nyc.gov/snow or call 311 for assistance.

As the storm continues, the city is prepared to tackle the challenges posed by winter weather, utilizing technology and community cooperation to ensure safety and effective snow clearance. The Department of Sanitation is equipped with approximately 700 million pounds of salt and has implemented a GPS tracking system to monitor snow clearance operations citywide.

Looking ahead, the weather is not expected to improve immediately, with forecasts indicating a surge of cold air that could bring the lowest temperatures of the season, with lows in the mid to upper teens expected by Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

In summary, as New York City faces another winter storm, residents are reminded to exercise caution while traveling and to stay updated on weather conditions and city services. The combination of preparation and community awareness will be crucial in navigating the challenges of winter weather in the coming days.

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