Modern York City is still under a snow alert, with more than 38 centimeters of snow already on the ground as of Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The massive nor’easter that gripped the Tri-State Area has largely subsided, but its impact continues to be felt across the region, disrupting travel and daily life. Understanding when the snow will stop in New York and the current conditions is crucial for residents navigating the aftermath of the storm.
The storm, which began Sunday evening, brought some areas nearly 24 hours of continuous snowfall. While many locations exceeded 30 centimeters, several cities saw initial totals surpass 50 centimeters, with the accumulation continuing to climb throughout Monday. According to the National Weather Service, the snow alert remained in effect until 6:00 PM on Monday, covering New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, and coastal and northern New Jersey. The heaviest snowfall has passed, but lingering effects and ongoing cleanup efforts are the focus now.
Travel Disruptions and Service Restorations
A travel ban in New York City ended at noon on Tuesday, but a hazardous travel advisory remains in effect. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has resumed service on six branches – Ronkonkoma, Huntington, Babylon, Oyster Bay, Montauk, and Port Washington – starting at 4:00 AM Tuesday. Montauk service is limited to trains between Speonk and points further west, and Oyster Bay will operate westbound in the morning and eastbound after the morning rush hour. Metro-North Railroad is operating on a Saturday schedule on the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven Lines, with approximately two-thirds of regular service. Subway service in New York City is also experiencing modifications, with some express trains running locally and altered service in the Rockaways. Efforts to restore Staten Island Railway service are ongoing.
The storm caused widespread disruptions to transportation, prompting officials to urge residents to stay home. The decision to lift the travel ban and gradually restore service reflects improving conditions, but commuters should still expect delays and plan accordingly. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of travelers and facilitating the return to normal operations.
Schools and Public Services
New York City Public Schools are open for classes as normal on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Public libraries across the city, including the Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library, have also reopened. NYPL locations will open at noon and close at their normal hours, while the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library will be open from 10:00 AM. This resumption of normal operations signals a return to routine for many New Yorkers.
Snow Totals and Impact Across the Tri-State Area
The blizzard warnings that extended across all of New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, most of New Jersey, and southern Connecticut have expired. The storm delivered impressive snow totals across the region, with some areas receiving nearly 50 centimeters. As of Monday evening, New York City had received more than 48 centimeters of snow, and the total continued to increase. The heavy snowfall and strong winds created dangerous conditions, including reduced visibility and the risk of power outages.
Fortunately, as of Tuesday, no deaths have been reported in New York City as a result of the storm, according to the mayor’s office. However, some areas of Staten Island and Long Island experienced power outages, and travel restrictions remained in place in several New Jersey communities. The quick response of emergency services and the cooperation of residents helped to mitigate the potential for more severe consequences.
Looking Ahead: Continued Cleanup and Recovery
While the worst of the storm has passed, the cleanup process is underway. City crews are working to clear streets and sidewalks, and residents are encouraged to assist in snow removal efforts. The focus now shifts to restoring full transportation service, addressing any remaining power outages, and ensuring the safety of communities as they recover from the blizzard. The city is also assessing the economic impact of the storm and developing plans for future preparedness.
Residents are advised to stay informed about the latest conditions and updates from official sources, including the National Weather Service and the New York City Emergency Management Department. The city will continue to provide updates on service restorations and any ongoing hazards. The next update regarding rail conditions around the area is expected later Tuesday afternoon.
This severe weather event underscores the importance of preparedness and community resilience. As New York City and the surrounding areas start to recover, the lessons learned from this blizzard will be invaluable in preparing for future storms.
Have your say: What was your experience during the blizzard? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
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