New York City residents are currently experiencing disruptions due to a heavy winter storm that moved through the region on Sunday, leading to various closures and travel delays across the city.
As the city begins its recovery process, officials are advising caution. Parking regulations, specifically alternate-side parking rules, have been suspended for Monday and Tuesday, although parking meters remain in operation. Residents can expect delays in trash, recycling, and compost collection as the Department of Sanitation focuses on snow removal efforts. City officials are urging residents to exercise patience while crews work to clear the streets.
In terms of public transportation, subways and buses are running mostly on their regular schedules, but officials recommend that riders allow extra time for their journeys. Some midday express subway trains may operate as local trains depending on current conditions, and patrons are encouraged to check the MTA app for any updates. Bus services are performing close to normal levels, although articulated buses are temporarily replaced by standard 40-foot buses. The Metro-North Railroad is running on reduced schedules, with trains on the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines operating approximately every two hours, and some branch connections may see longer wait times.
Citi Bike service has resumed after being temporarily halted during the storm, while NYC Ferry service has returned to about 90% capacity. The Staten Island Ferry is also operating on a modified schedule, running every 20 minutes.
Public school buildings across the city are closed today, with instruction shifting to online formats. High school students, along with grades 6-8, are also off for the day due to previously scheduled professional learning days. Catholic elementary schools in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island have closed without providing remote instruction, while some schools in Brooklyn and Queens are moving to remote learning. Charter schools housed in public buildings are similarly closed.
On the business front, delivery services like DoorDash and Grubhub have suspended operations through mid-morning Monday. YMCA branches are closed as well, affecting child care and afterschool programs, with varying schedules depending on the location. The New York Blood Center’s donor centers and blood drives were closed on Sunday, with hopes of resuming operations on Monday.
In terms of cultural offerings, all branches of the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library are also closed; however, digital and e-book resources remain accessible. Major attractions such as the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, the New York Aquarium, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Discover Boating New York Boat Show are closed to the public.
As the city works to recover from this winter storm, officials are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, encouraging everyone to remain informed and cautious during this recovery period.