Queens hit hard by another heavy winter snowstorm

Just as the snow from the winter storm that struck New York City last month was beginning to melt away, another powerful snowstorm hit the city yesterday and is expected to continue into this afternoon. As snow continues to fall and the wind howls, Queens has already seen as much, if not more, snowfall than the previous storm, with some parts of the borough reporting more than two feet of snowfall.

Queens is being hit hard by another snowstorm, which has brought more than two feet of snow to certain parts of the borough, as of Monday morning. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

The National Weather Service estimates that, as of Monday afternoon, there was a total of 22.2 inches of snow at LaGuardia Airport, 21 inches in southern Jamaica, 20.2 inches in Jackson Heights, 19.8 inches at JFK Airport, 18 inches in southern Astoria and 17 inches in southern Jackson Heights.

A travel ban was issued to keep people off the dangerous roads. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Many people spent Sunday morning shopping for food and supplies in preparation for the snowstorm. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Gusts of up to 50 miles per hour and winds reaching the high-30s have added to the severity of the weather, making it all the more important for Queens residents to stay inside.

Some people have braved the conditions Monday. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

A woman’s umbrella was turned inside out by the strong winds. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

The extreme weather has also resulted in power outages across certain parts of the city, including thousands of homes in the Rockaways. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards has advised Rockaway residents experiencing outages to go to one of the three warming centers in the area for heat. The three locations are Far Rockaway High School, at 8-21 Bay 25th St., Beach Channel High School, located at 100-00 Beach Channel Dr., and P.S. 43, which can be found at 160 Beach 29th St.

For Rockaway families impacted by this morning's power outage, the city has opened three warming centers if you are in need of heat:

✔️Far Rockaway High School (8-21 Bay 25th Street)
✔️Beach Channel High School (100-00 Beach Channel Drive)
✔️P.S. 43 (160 Beach 29th Street) https://t.co/spFOCHBSl5

— Queens Borough President Donovan Richards (@QnsBPRichards) February 23, 2026

Snow plows have been actively clearing the roads in the borough, with a majority of streets having recently been plowed. A vehicle restriction was in effect across all of New York City until 12 p.m. More information on what streets have been plowed and when can be found on the PlowNYC tracker.

Snow plows have been hard at work since Sunday night to clear up the roads. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has deployed more than 2,600 sanitation workers for 12-hour shifts, 2,300 snow plows and 700 salt spreaders across the city to assist with clearing the roads.

Good morning, New York City.
Snowfall: 8”-15” last night.
Forecast: More snow until early afternoon.
Winds: Gusts of 40-60mph.
Travel: Roads are CLOSED until at least noon today. Essential & emergency trips only.
Coastal Flood Warnings: Lifted at 5am.
Text NotifyNYC to…
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) February 23, 2026

“Thank you to @NYCDCAS for working around the clock during this historic blizzard,” Mayor Mamdani said on X.

One of he salt spreaders in action in Queens. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Despite the extreme weather, some public transportation outlets remained open. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Even after the travel restrictions were lifted this afternoon, Mayor Mamdani urges drivers to use extreme caution when on the roads, as those that have been plowed are likely very icy.

The city's travel ban is lifted, but conditions on the roads remain icy. If you choose to drive, please exercise caution, travel slowly, and be mindful of others on the road.⁰ ⁰We continue to advise New Yorkers to stay safe and stay indoors as much as possible. ⁰ ⁰Here is the…

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) February 23, 2026

While some mass transportation services were running, Long Island Rail Road service remains suspended Monday. There is optimism that some LIRR services will be back up as early as Tuesday. The MetroNorth, meanwhile, will operate on 2/3 of its weekday service on Tuesday, akin to an enhanced Saturday schedule.

Richards has expressed gratitude toward the New York City workers for putting in all the time and effort since last night to try and make the roads accessible.

To the @nycsanitation workers and other essential staff braving the #blizzard to keep us safe — you are the real MVPs of NYC.

The storm is still raging this morning, Queens. Stay home and let New York’s Strongest keep doing what they do best without interruption. pic.twitter.com/bBbCmazmLO

— Queens Borough President Donovan Richards (@QnsBPRichards) February 23, 2026