Blizzard Warning NYC: New York Blizzard Prompts NYC Travel Ban, State of Emergency, and NYC Schools Closed Monday

A powerful blizzard warning NYC is in effect as a historic winter storm barrels through the region Monday, February 23, 2026 (ET), bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and near-whiteout conditions across New York City weather zones and surrounding suburbs. The fast-intensifying nor’easter, described by forecasters as approaching “bomb cyclone” strength, has triggered a NYC state of emergency, major transit disruptions, and widespread NYC schools closed Monday announcements.

Blizzard Warning NYC: What Is Happening Right Now?

The National Weather Service has issued a full blizzard warning for all five boroughs of NYC, citing:

• Sustained winds 35–45 mph

• Gusts exceeding 55 mph

• Blowing and drifting snow

• Visibility under ¼ mile at times

Forecasters warn that this NYC snow storm meets official blizzard criteria: heavy snowfall combined with strong winds reducing visibility for three hours or more.

What is a blizzard?

A blizzard is defined as a severe snowstorm with:

• Winds of at least 35 mph

• Visibility reduced to ¼ mile or less

• Conditions lasting 3+ hours

Snow Totals NYC: How Much Snow Has Fallen in NYC?

As of 10:00 a.m. ET Monday, preliminary snowfall totals show significant accumulation:

Many residents are asking: how much snow has fallen in NYC? and how many inches of snow NYC? The answer varies by borough, but most areas are approaching or exceeding one foot of accumulation, with additional snow accumulation NYC expected before the system exits tonight.

Updated snowfall totals by ZIP code continue to be posted by local outlets including News 12 Long Island and regional weather trackers.

NYC Travel Ban and State of Emergency

Mayor Eric Adams has declared a state of emergency across New York, implementing a limited NYC travel ban blizzard advisory urging residents to avoid nonessential travel.

Key impacts:

• Non-essential vehicle travel discouraged

• Snow emergency routes activated

• Alternate side parking suspended

• Emergency crews prioritizing hospital corridors

The travel ban NY advisory extends to parts of Long Island and the Hudson Valley, while New Jersey has separately declared a New Jersey state of emergency amid heavy NJ snow totals.

MTA Blizzard Disruptions and JFK Airport Delays

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority reports:

• Above-ground subway lines running at reduced speeds

• Select express service suspended

• Delays on the Long Island Rail Road

• Bus routes detoured in outer boroughs

At John F. Kennedy International Airport, flight cancellations and delays are mounting, with airlines advising travelers to check flight tracker systems before heading to terminals.

NYC Schools Closed Monday: Is There School Tomorrow NYC?

New York City Public Schools confirmed NYC public schools closed Monday due to the blizzard warning NYC conditions.

Searches trending include:

• Is there school on Monday in NYC?

• NYC DOE snow day Monday

• Are NYC schools closed Monday?

• Is school closed Monday NYC?

All in-person classes are canceled today. Officials have not yet confirmed whether NYC schools closed Tuesday, though decisions will depend on overnight snow removal and wind conditions.

Power Outages and Coastal Flood Watch

High winds are contributing to scattered power outages, particularly in coastal Queens and Long Island. A coastal flood watch remains active for vulnerable shoreline communities as storm surge coincides with high tide cycles.

Utility crews are responding, but restoration may be slowed by drifting snow and road closures.

NYC Weather Forecast Snow Storm Outlook

The latest weather forecast snow storm NYC projections show:

• Additional 2–4 inches possible before tapering tonight

• Winds gradually decreasing after 8 p.m. ET

• Bitter wind chills overnight

By Tuesday morning, skies are expected to clear, but dangerously cold temperatures will follow the system.

How Much Snow Is NYC Getting Overall?

Meteorologists estimate final NYC snow totals could reach:

• 12–16 inches in parts of Brooklyn and Queens

• 10–14 inches Manhattan and Bronx

• 14–18 inches eastern Long Island

Residents continue asking how much snow are we getting Sunday and how much snow on Sunday — much of the heaviest accumulation fell overnight into Monday morning, with lingering snow bands still rotating through.

Winter Storm Watch to Blizzard: Rapid Intensification

This system intensified rapidly from a winter storm watch to a full NYC blizzard warning, fueled by sharp temperature contrasts and Atlantic moisture — classic nor’easter dynamics.

Forecasters describe the setup as similar to past historic New York blizzard events, though final totals remain slightly below record territory.

The NYC snow day may be welcomed by students, but the broader impact of this snow storm NYC is being felt across transportation, schools, and daily life in New York City weather zones.

Further updates will continue throughout the day as conditions evolve.