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: Saturday, December 27, 2025 10:40PM EST
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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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Here's how the news is developing.
Dec 26, 2025, 5:28 PM EST

New Jersey declares State of Emergency

New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared the emergency effective at 1 p.m. Friday, December 26, 2025, covering all 21 counties.

Snow accumulations are expected to reach 5 to 8 inches in parts of the state, with temperatures remaining below freezing throughout the weekend.

"Starting this afternoon, we will experience a severe winter storm bringing dangerous outdoor conditions to our state," said Acting Governor Way. "This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel. We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to the roads. Drivers should plan their travel accordingly, monitor conditions and road closures, and follow all safety protocols."

The New Jersey Department of Transportation has activated crews and contractors ahead of the storm to treat roads and respond as conditions worsen. Beginning at 3 p.m., the state will impose commercial vehicle travel restrictions on several major highways, including Interstates 78, 80, 280, and 287, as well as Route 440. The restrictions apply to tractor-trailers, empty commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and passenger vehicles towing trailers.

The State of Emergency will remain in effect until officials determine that conditions have improved.

Nina Pineda has the latest on storm preparations from Paramus.
Dec 26, 2025, 1:21 PM EST

Gov. Hochul says New York is prepared as winter storm nears

New York Governor Kathy Hochul spoke with Eyewitness News and said the state is preparing for the storm with extensive coordination across agencies.

More than 1,600 large snowplows are ready for deployment, and road crews are on standby. Where appropriate, roads have already been pretreated to reduce icing. The state's emergency operations center has been activated and is working closely with county governments and New York City emergency management officials.

The snow will reach New York City by 5 p.m. Friday. It will be heavy at times and will greatly reduce visibility, making travel treacherous.

Public transportation systems are also being prepared. In the MTA region, buses are being equipped with snow chains, and crews are staffing operations centers to monitor conditions. Snow removal plans are in place for outdoor rail tracks, platforms, and bus routes across the five boroughs, where heavy reliance on public transportation makes storm response especially critical.

Utility crews have been pre-positioned ahead of the storm to respond quickly to potential power outages. State officials say special attention is being paid to vulnerable populations, including families with young children and senior citizens who live alone. Parks and transportation agencies are also monitoring trees and limbs that could block roads during the storm.

Residents are being urged to stay off the roads if possible, especially during the height of the storm.

Dec 26, 2025, 12:30 PM EST

Articulated buses taken out of service for storm, MTA says

Articulated buses have been taken out of service for the duration of the upcoming winter weather and replaced with 40-foot standard buses.

A total of 3,628 buses have been outfitted with snow chains on their rear wheels to provide better traction in snowy conditions.

All divisions have additional personnel on duty to closely monitor service, clear snow, and respond to any issues that arise during the storm.

Dec 26, 2025, 12:42 PM EST

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.