Updated 6:50 p.m.
The borough was once again buried in almost a foot of snow after the sixth storm of the season struck the city Thursday, and even more flakes could fall this weekend.
Snowfall totals around Queens varied, but Bayside reported as much as 11.8 inches, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
For the second day in a row, residents faced a less-than-perfect morning commute with a hazardous travel advisory still in effect through Friday morning.
The MTA said service should be close to normal on subways, buses and Long Island Rail Road for the evening commute.
The situation for commuters Friday was much better than yesterday morning when heavy snow coated the roads.
Despite those dangerous conditions the city’s public schools were open Thursday.
Parents, students, teachers and even famed weatherman Al Roker blasted Mayor Bill de Blasio’s decision to keep the schools open.
De Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña, however, defended the move.
“Based on our knowledge, we were convinced kids could get to schools this morning,” de Blasio said Thursday. “So many families depend on their schools as a place for their kids to be during the day.”
The total attendance at city schools was only 44.65 percent yesterday, according to a preliminary report from the Department of Education (DOE) released Thursday afternoon.
Public schools were again open Friday and all field trips, after-school programs and PSAL activities are operating normally, the DOE said.
“We understand that weather conditions may be challenging for families. As always, parents should exercise their own judgment with regard to their children. Safety is a top priority for the Department, and we make these decisions only after careful consideration. We want to thank parents, students, and educators for your cooperation during this very difficult winter,” Fariña said.
Alternate side parking regulations, and garbage and recycling pick-up are suspended through Saturday.
The Department of Sanitation will likely be spending the weekend clearing snow off the streets.
The city agency has issued a “snow alert” starting at 8 a.m. Saturday.
About 2 to 4 inches of snow could fall during the day tomorrow, starting in the early morning, according to NWS.
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