Jan 22, 2026, 6:24 PM GMT
Winter storm pulls away after dumping heavy snow; frigid air won't budge | Live updates
The storm left well over a foot of snow in parts of the area, and cold air will be locked in place into early February.
Last updated: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 4:38PM GMT
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The winter storm of January 2026 that once covered 2,000 miles across the nation has pulled away, leaving New York City and the Tri-State area to dig out from the biggest snowfall in years.
The big dig coincided with the start of the work week, with motorists faced with treacherous drives and commuters on public transit that contended with challenges, too, though subway service was largely normal.
The storm left almost a foot and half of snow in parts of the region, while Central Park came in at 11.4 inches, a record for the day. These were not the final numbers and could go up.
There were a few more scattered snow showers early Monday but the bulk of the storm has headed out to sea. Monday's notable weather feature was the bone-chilling cold, and it will linger through at least the next seven days. Temperatures are not expected to top the freezing mark until Feb. 3, when a high of 33 is expected, still well below normal.
That means the snow and ice will stick around at least into early February.
Latest Forecast
Stay with Eyewitness News for live updates on the commute and the recovery from the storm. Check back here for frequent updates.
Click here for the latest advisories, watches and warnings from the National Weather Service
Key Headlines
- Jan 26, 2026, 10:59 PM GMT
- Jan 26, 2026, 3:43 PM GMT
- Jan 26, 2026, 3:40 PM GMT
- Jan 26, 2026, 12:07 AM GMT
- Jan 25, 2026, 10:26 PM GMT
- Jan 25, 2026, 8:44 PM GMT
- Jan 25, 2026, 6:07 PM GMT
Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 22, 2026, 6:21 PM GMT
Cold Weather Advisory in effect for the NYC area
A Cold Weather Advisory in effect for the New York City area starting Friday night as an arctic blast moves in ahead of the winter storm.
The advisory impacts New York City, and portions of southeast New York, most of New Jersey and southern Connecticut.
Click here for the latest advisories, watches and warnings from the National Weather Service
Wind chills around 10 degrees and below are expected, and in some parts, wind chills around 5 degrees and below are expected.
Jan 22, 2026, 6:00 PM GMT
Winter Storm Watch issued for NYC, Tri-State ahead of weekend snow storm
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the New York City metropolitan area ahead of this weekend's snow storm.
The watch includes New York City, all of southeast New York, northeast New Jersey, and southern Connecticut, and will be in effect Saturday night through Monday afternoon.
The storm could lead to slick and hazardous roads, especially bridges and overpasses.
Jan 22, 2026, 5:17 PM GMT
Mayor Mamdani says 'no decision' yet on schools as NYC braces for winter snow storm
This weekend's snow storm will be one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's first challenges.
Mamdani addressed the preparations the city is making for the winter storm during a news conference on Thursday morning, including whether or not schools will be open.
The mayor said no decision has been made yet, saying the city is "working to do everything we can to keep school open, once we make a final decision as to what it will look like on Monday, we will communicate that clearly and directly."
He joked that students and parents probably want to hear different answers about the decision, however he stressed that he wants to make a decision that does not have a massive impact on peoples' day-to-day lives.
"We take this seriously because it has serious consequences for New Yorkers' lives," he said.
The mayor said he takes fun in the snow personally. He noted the first time he went to a hospital in New York City was when he suffered a concussion during a sledding mishap, "and I turned out mostly ok."
In addition to school plans, the mayor talked about the citywide snow-clearing efforts, which will start Friday as crews begin to pre-treat roadways.
He says 2,000 sanitation workers will begin 12-hour shifts this weekend, in an effort to remove snow around the clock. There will also be 700 salt spreaders.
Mamdani says a Code Blue will also be in effect, which will allow the city to connect the most vulnerable to local shelters.
