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.
The National Weather Service estimates that, as of Monday morning, there has been 17 inches of snow in Jackson Heights, 15.1 inches of snow at LaGuardia Airport, 15 inches in Astoria, Elmhurst and JFK Airport and 11 inches in Little Neck. With the snow still coming down, this total will go up even more later in the day.
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.
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. However, those who try to brave the weather and drive should drive slowly, as roads may be slippery. A vehicle restriction is 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.
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,” Mamdani said on X.
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
