NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A winter storm was dropped inches of snow on the Tri-State Friday morning, leading to about 800 flight cancelations and an increasing number of school closures across the region.
The heaviest snow bands moved east of New York City by 8 a.m. out to Long Island, which saw some of the highest accumulations at over 8 inches.
The snow started dropping overnight, with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches an hour reported in some areas, according to the National Weather Service. Over 8 inches fell at LaGuardia Airport and Bridgeport, while Central Park and Central Islip saw over 5.5 inches. There was 8.3 inches in Syosset.
About 340 flights were canceled at LaGuardia Airport and 223 at JFK Airport by 8:30 a.m. Another 230 flights were canceled at Newark Airport, according to FlightAware.
PATH trains were suspended systemwide, while cross-honoring was in effect across NJ Transit and some lines were subject to delays.
New York City public schools will remain open Friday, however, hundreds of schools across the region were closed or delayed. The Archdiocese of New York announced its elementary schools would be closed for a traditional snow day.
About 6 inches of snow were expected in and around the city, according to AccuWeather.
Some areas in central and eastern Long Island, as well as the Jersey Shore, could see from 10 inches to a foot of snow.
Inland areas of New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley and Connecticut were set to get lower amounts of around 3 to 6 inches.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for most of the Tri-State until 12 p.m. Friday, while a winter storm warning was issued until 12 p.m. for Suffolk County.
New York City issued a snow alert, which will remain in effect through at least Friday evening. A travel advisory is also in effect for the five boroughs Friday. Alternate side parking in the city has been suspended for Friday and Saturday. Meters will remain in effect.
Craig Cipriano, the New York City Transit interim president, said subways and buses would be running but that riders should avoid non-essential travel if possible.
Gov. Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to use caution and avoid unnecessary travel due to the potential for ice-covered roads and low visibility, along with the threat for winds gusting up to 40 mph.
In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy issued a state of emergency ahead of the storm.
NYC Department of Sanitation Commissioner Edward Grayson said that they’re prepared for “plowable snow” and that as of now, outdoor dining won’t be affected. He said over 700 pieces of salt-spreading equipment will be at the ready.
The department is at 78% staffing right now due to COVID-related issues, but Grayson said by changing shifts and recalling off days, there won’t be issues covering plows.
The snow lasted through the morning commute, creating hazardous, slippery driving conditions and poor visibility. Temps remained in the 20s early Friday, with RealFeels in the teens.
The snow ends from west to east later Friday morning into the midday. It becomes windy and cold in the afternoon with brightening skies. The high will be 33, but RealFeels may be stuck in the teens.
It’s brisk and very cold Friday night, and drivers should watch for renewed icy spots. Temps will be 22 in the city, while lows will drop into the teens in the suburbs.
The snowstorm roared into the region a day after freezing rain led to hundreds of crashes—and at least two deaths—on icy roadways cross the Tri-State on Wednesday morning.
Among the many roads impacted were the New York State Thruway, Saw Mill River Parkway, Hutchinson River Parkway, Interstate 80 and the Garden State Parkway.
One person was killed in a crash on the ramp connecting the eastbound Cross County Parkway to the northbound Bronx River Parkway around 6:30 a.m., according to Westchester County police.
A second person was killed in a crash on the westbound side of Route 3 in East Rutherford, police said.
There were over 300 accidents in Westchester County “in a very short period of time,” including spinouts and collisions, County Executive George Latimer told 1010 WINS, adding that the large number made it difficult to respond.
The crashes left many drivers stuck in standstill traffic for hours. The weather also led to one-hour delays for incoming flights at LaGuardia Airport and a ground stop at Newark Airport. More than 150 flights were canceled at Newark Airport, while over 50 were canceled at LaGuardia.
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