A major coastal storm, identified in several reports as Winter Storm Fern, has prompted a blizzard warning for New York City, Long Island, and southern Connecticut. The warning is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon, with the heaviest snow poised to hit Sunday night.Weather Forecast and HazardsThe National Weather Service projects significant snowfall for the region:• Snow Totals: New York City and coastal areas are expected to receive 13 to 18 inches of snow, with some areas potentially seeing even higher amounts.• Snowfall Rates: Rates of 1–2 inches per hour are expected Sunday night, with bursts of over 2 inches per hour possible.• Wind and Visibility: North/northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph, will create whiteout conditions and visibilities at or below a quarter-mile.• Coastal Flooding: A coastal flood watch is in effect, with widespread minor to moderate flooding (1.5 to 2.5 feet of inundation) possible during high tides Sunday night and Monday morning.Impact on Schools and City ServicesMayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels have ordered the closure of all New York City Public School buildings for Monday, January 26.• Remote Learning: Approximately 500,000 students are required to participate in remote classes rather than having a traditional snow day.• Cancellations: All after-school programs, adult education, and school-based activities are canceled.• Sanitation: The city has deployed 2,500 sanitation workers on 12-hour shifts and activated snow plows to clear the expected 10 to 14+ inches of accumulation.Transportation and UtilitiesThe MTA and local utilities have adjusted operations to manage the storm's impact:• Subways: Operating on a weekday schedule, though some express service segments may run local.• Buses: Expect longer wait times; articulated buses have been removed from service for the duration of the storm.• Commuter Rails: The LIRR will run on a weekend schedule on Monday, while Metro-North will operate on a Saturday schedule with additional rush-hour trains.• Power Outages: Strong winds and heavy snow loads may cause scattered power outages. PSE&G and Con Edison have mobilized crews to handle restoration efforts; as of Sunday afternoon, hundreds of customers had already experienced service disruptions.Safety and PreparednessOfficials strongly advise New Yorkers to avoid unnecessary travel to allow snow crews to operate. For those who must be outside or are managing their property:• Shoveling: Use caution, as shoveling heavy snow can lead to heart-related issues.• Heating Safety: Keep exterior vents, pipes, and meters clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Never use generators indoors or within 20 feet of windows.• Warming Centers: Residents needing a warm place to stay can call 311 to find the nearest warming center; some school buildings are also being utilized for this purpose.• Pet Safety: Ensure pets are kept safe from extreme weather conditions.
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