NYC area digs out from biggest snowstorm in years with cold night ahead | Live updates

Central Park saw 4.3 inches of snow, within the forecast range of 4 to 8 inches. But ice suppressed totals across many areas.

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Last updated: Sunday, December 28, 2025 3:40AM GMT
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NEW YORK (WABC) -- The most significant winter storm to hit the Tri-State area in almost four years ended on Saturday, with the heaviest snowfall north and east of New York City.

With the storm a memory, the concern now shifts to slick, icy roads and sidewalks, as temperatures will stay below freezing through early Sunday. A Winter Weather Advisory has been put into effect for ice north and west of New York City.

"Motorists and pedestrians should use caution. Reduce speed, allow extra time, and be prepared for areas of slippery travel Saturday evening through midday Sunday," the weather service said.

The snowstorm was notable for Central Park, which recorded 4.3 inches of snow, the highest amount in the park since the storm of Jan. 28-29, 2022, which dropped over 8 inches.

Higher totals were kept down in New Jersey due to ice; some areas of the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and Connecticut, however, saw more substantial snowfall.

With the storm a memory, the concern now shifts to slick, icy roads, as temperatures will stay below freezing through early Sunday

Some of the more impressive numbers were in Connecticut, where the expected heavier snow bands set in. New Fairfield came in with 9.1 inches, Fairfield with 7 inches, Bridgeport at 7.1, and Newtown with 6 inches.

Parts of Long Island saw over half a foot, with Babylon and Orient both recording 7.5 inches, Mattituck coming in at 7 inches, North Patchogue getting 6.8 inches, 6.6 coming down at Islip, and Hampton Bays reporting 6.5.

The Hudson Valley was also in the snow sweet spot, with Lake Carmel at 6.5 inches, Armonk at 6.4 inches, Peekskill at 6.1 inches and Port Chester at 5.9.

The intrusion of sleet reduced totals in other areas more than expected, holding down numbers in New York City and points south and west. New York City numbers included 4.3 inches in Fordham in the Bronx, and LaGuardia and JFK both came in at 4.1 inches. The story was the same in New Jersey, with lower amounts, including 4 inches in Harrison, 3 inches in Springfield and 2.5 inches in Newark.

The worst of the storm began Friday evening, but by dawn, lingering light snow was tapering off and most storm warnings had expired except in areas north and west where slick travel was a concern because of snowy and icy roads.

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The storm was an Alberta Clipper that had been infused with energy from the Pacific storms delivering an atmospheric river of rain to the West Coast. As this system crashed into the cold air in our area, it squeezed out a lot of snow in a hurry for parts of the region. Meteorologist Jeff Smith described the system as an "Alberta Clipper on steroids."

Sunday will be ice cold, then clouds will roll in. The daylight hours will be dry, but some freezing rain will move in Sunday evening, especially north and west, which could create another travel issue. Monday will bring a brief warmup before temperatures plummet again for the remainder of the week.

RELATED | Click here for the latest advisories, watches and warnings from the National Weather Service

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Dec 26, 2025, 5:42 PM GMT

MTA announces subway preparations ahead of winter storm

MTA employees will be deployed proactively throughout the operating region spreading salt and clearing surfaces of snow, keeping signals, switches, and third rails operating, and attending to any weather-related challenges.

All planned work is being postponed for the duration of the storm.

NJ Burkett has more details on preparations.

While the underground portions of the subway system remain unaffected during snowstorms, there are nearly 220 miles of outdoor track throughout the boroughs.

The Rockaway A/S, Sea Beach N, Flushing 7, Brighton B/Q and Dyre Av 5 lines are particularly vulnerable to snow and freezing precipitation.

NYC Transit's Department of Subways has a fleet of emergency response equipment including debris trains and de-icer trains ready to deploy and respond to icy conditions.

Crews are monitoring switches and tracks to ensure they are working properly, along with salting and clearing snow from elevated station platforms, exposed stairs and subway entrances.

The MTA says field personnel are staged at critical locations including stations and yards, ready to deploy and respond to snow conditions.

Dec 26, 2025, 5:22 PM GMT

NJDOT issues commercial vehicle travel restrictions on multiple highways

New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Fran O'Connor has issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple Interstate highways in New Jersey starting at 3 p.m. Friday.

In Jersey, the highest accumulations of snow are expected in North and Central Jersey.

In addition to the commercial vehicle restrictions, all motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel on Friday and Saturday.

The commercial vehicle travel restriction will begin today at 3 p.m. and will be in place until further notice for the following highways in both directions:

-I-78 (entire length)
-I-80 (entire length)
-I-280 (entire length)
-I-287 (entire length)
-NJ Route 440, from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287

The commercial vehicle travel restriction applies to:

-All tractor trailers (exceptions as listed in the Administrative Order)
-Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
-Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
-Recreational vehicles
-Motorcycles

Dec 26, 2025, 4:16 PM GMT

Nassau County issues safety warnings ahead of storm

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman warned residents to be prepared for a winter storm that will bring several inches of snowfall across the region over the next two days.

Blakeman warned residents to avoid traveling during the storm unless absolutely necessary.

"Stay safe and stay home unless there is an emergency. If you must go out, drive carefully, slow down, and stay alert," County Executive Blakeman stated. "Nassau County is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents during extreme weather conditions."

The Nassau County Office of Emergency Management is fully staffed and prepared to handle the snowfall. Over 70 plows and 100 pieces of equipment will be operating to keep Nassau roads and highways clear.

In the event of a power outage or downed power lines, call PSEG Long Island's 24-hour Electric service number at 800-490-0075. To allow emergency personnel to be most effective, do not tie up emergency phone lines with non-emergency calls.

Dec 26, 2025, 3:42 PM GMT

Officials say only travel if necessary once the storm starts

Expect salt spreaders and trucks brining roads to help keep streets as clear as possible.

Once the storm starts, officials are urging people to travel only if absolutely necessary.

Jaysha Patel reports on preparations from Ridgefield:

Jaysha Patel reports.