A severe winter storm paralyzed New York City and surrounding areas on December 27, 2025, prompting emergency declarations and creating travel chaos during the post-Christmas period. The National Weather Service issued warnings for regions spanning southern Connecticut to northeastern New Jersey as snowfall approached 25 centimeters – the heaviest accumulation recorded in the metropolis since 2022.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged residents to avoid non-essential travel, stating: "The combination of rapid snowfall and plunging temperatures creates particularly dangerous road conditions. Those who must travel should prioritize public transportation." The warning came as holiday travelers faced widespread disruptions, with over 1,200 flight cancellations at New York-area airports.
Transportation networks implemented emergency measures, including early suspension of ferry services and deployment of snow chains on city buses. Aviation tracking systems showed cascading delays across U.S. air routes, with John F. Kennedy International Airport experiencing 370 cancellations by afternoon local time.
Meteorologists predict the storm system will move northeast overnight, with conditions expected to improve by Friday morning. Authorities continue to monitor potential power outages and have activated emergency response teams across affected regions.
