Updated, 7:08 a.m.
Good morning on this snowy Thursday.
A winter storm warning is in effect until 1 a.m. on Friday. Expect six to eight inches of snow, strong winds and temperatures below freezing. (A coastal flood advisory is also in effect until noon for waterside areas in southern Queens and Staten Island.)
Light to moderate snow began falling in New York City around 5 a.m., according to the National Weather Service, and parts of Suffolk County on Long Island are already seeing more than an inch of snow.
Schools in New York City are closed, as are many others across the region (see the list here).
Commuters are encouraged to avoid driving and use mass transit when possible. The snow will be heaviest during the morning commute, but it’s likely to affect the evening commute as well, so travel safely and leave yourself extra time on both ends.
You can check for service changes and delays before heading out:
• The subway: 4, 5, 6, B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W and S trains are running with delays. There are service changes on A, C and E trains.
• Metro-North: Trains are running on a normal schedule.
• Long Island Rail Road: Trains are running on a normal schedule.
Continue reading the main story• Bridges and tunnels: Motorists are encouraged to drive at reduced speeds on bridges across the city, so expect a slower-than-usual commute. A speed restriction of 35 m.p.h. is in place on the George Washington Bridge and there are delays at the Lincoln Tunnel.
• NYC Ferry: East River and Astoria routes are running on normal schedules. There are suspensions and service changes on the Rockaway and South Brooklyn routes.
• Newark, La Guardia and Kennedy airports: Airlines have already canceled many flights to and from East Coast destinations.
Alternate-side parking is suspended for snow removal today and Friday.
The flurries should dwindle by this evening, but it may feel as icy as zero degrees or lower. What might be more concerning, according to Tim Morrin of the National Weather Service, are the days to follow.
“After the snow is over, we’re expecting a very frigid period of weather on Friday and Saturday,” Mr. Morrin told us. “Wind chill factors can be even worse than we had during the New Year’s period, so everything’s going to be really frozen in. For citizens who need to be outdoors, it’s really going to be a tough go.”
Friday and Saturday are showing highs near 12 and lows around 4, but with the wind chill, it may feel as biting at 20 below zero.
Plan accordingly and stay warm (think: hearty dishes like soups and stews, or hot chocolate and cold-weather cocktails).
We will continue updating the column regularly throughout the morning, and you can read more in our live briefing about how the ‘bomb cyclone’ is affecting New York and other parts of the country.
Continue reading the main story