NYC Area Winter Storm: Travel Disruptions, Snow Cleanup, and Road Conditions

Airport Travel Disruptions

• ✈️ Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and hundreds more delayed at local airports like LaGuardia and Newark, impacting holiday travel.
• ⚠️ Newark Airport experienced ground delays averaging about 48 minutes, with numbers expected to climb.
• 📌 JFK Airport reported approximately 130 delays and nearly 200 cancellations, while LaGuardia had about 62 delays.

Snowfall and Road Conditions

• ❄️ Port Jefferson and Patchog on Long Island experienced significant snowfall, with Patchog receiving almost 7 inches, the highest amount on Long Island.
• 🌨️ Snow fell fast and heavy overnight, at times at one to two inches per hour, leading to poor visibility and dangerous travel conditions.
• 🚗 Main roads in areas like Patchog Village are largely cleared, but sidewalks and back streets may still require more work.
• 🧊 Freezing temperatures are a concern for icing throughout the day, with a state of emergency in effect across much of New York State.

Road Clearing and Safety

• 🚧 Snowplow crews have been working non-stop to treat roads and clear parking lots, but officials urge people to stay off roads unless necessary.
• 🚦 The city's Department of Emergency Management issued a travel advisory due to slick conditions, though major roads like the GW Bridge are reported as cleared.
• 🧹 City crews are addressing crosswalks and bus stops, and alternate side parking rules are suspended in the five boroughs to facilitate snow removal.

Storm Costs and Shoveling Safety

• 💰 The cost of salt alone for a storm like this can be significant, with one town estimating a storm could cost around $140,000 including labor.
• ⚠️ Doctors advise caution when shoveling, recommending pushing snow instead of lifting, taking breaks, and stretching beforehand due to the deceptive weight of snow.
• 🚆 On the rails, the MTA proactively treated stations, and while there are few delays, some subway trains are running local.