Queens residents are digging out from another powerful winter storm that dumped up to 17 inches of snow across the borough yesterday and continues into this afternoon, according to National Weather Service estimates.
The latest storm hit just as snow from last month’s winter weather was beginning to melt, creating challenging conditions throughout the area. This dramatic escalation follows light snow expected Sunday night with up to 2 inches possible across NYC, which meteorologists had initially forecast as a minor weather event. Jackson Heights recorded the highest snowfall total at 17 inches as of Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
LaGuardia Airport measured 15.1 inches of snow, while Astoria, Elmhurst and JFK Airport each received 15 inches, according to weather service data. Little Neck saw 11 inches of accumulation, with totals expected to rise as snow continues falling.
High winds have intensified the storm’s impact, with gusts reaching up to 50 miles per hour and sustained winds in the high-30s, according to weather reports. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds prompted officials to urge residents to remain indoors.
The extreme weather caused widespread power outages, particularly affecting thousands of homes in the Rockaways, according to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. In response, the borough president advised affected residents to seek shelter at three warming centers established in the area.
The warming centers are located at Far Rockaway High School at 8-21 Bay 25th St., Beach Channel High School at 100-00 Beach Channel Dr., and P.S. 43 at 160 Beach 29th St., according to Richards’ office.
City officials have mobilized extensive resources to combat the storm’s effects. Mayor Zohran Mamdani deployed more than 2,600 sanitation workers for 12-hour shifts, along with 2,300 snow plows and 700 salt spreaders across the city, according to his office.
Snow plows have been actively clearing roads throughout Queens, with a majority of streets recently plowed, according to city reports. However, officials warn that roads remain slippery and dangerous for drivers who attempt to travel.
A vehicle restriction remains in effect across all of New York City until 12 p.m., according to the mayor’s office. Residents can track plowing progress through the PlowNYC tracker system.
“Thank you to @NYCDCAS for working around the clock during this historic blizzard,” Mamdani said on social media platform X.
The mayor’s morning update warned of continued snowfall until early afternoon, with wind gusts of 40-60 mph expected. Roads remained closed until at least noon, with officials advising only essential and emergency trips.
Richards praised city workers for their efforts throughout the night to maintain road accessibility. The borough president urged residents to stay home and allow sanitation crews to work without interruption.
Weather forecasts indicate the storm will continue into this afternoon before conditions begin to improve. The National Weather Service lifted coastal flood warnings at 5 a.m., according to the mayor’s office.
The back-to-back winter storms have tested the city’s snow removal capabilities and highlighted the vulnerability of certain neighborhoods to power outages during severe weather events.
City officials continue monitoring conditions and coordinating response efforts as the storm progresses. Residents are advised to check the PlowNYC tracker for updated information on street clearing progress and to contact 311 for non-emergency assistance.
The warming centers in the Rockaways will remain open as long as needed to assist residents without power or heat during the ongoing storm.
