Photo: AFP
A large winter storm expected to bring New York City and the surrounding area its heaviest snowfall in years arrived early Sunday morning.
Snow fell all day Sunday, picking up intensity in the afternoon. Sleet and freezing rain mixed into the evening, adding ice and additional hazards to travel conditions.
Gusty winds created blizzard conditions with low visibility at times.
Eight to 12 inches of snow and sleet was expected, with 10 - 15 inches in some areas north and west of the city.
A State of Emergency was in effect in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
After the precipitation moves out of the area Monday, temperatures will stay frigid, meaning there will be no significant snow and ice melt until next month.
New York City public schools will be closed on Monday, however students will still have classes remotely. More than 100 schools throughout the area have announced Monday closures.
Warming centers have been activated in all five boroughs and will remain open through Monday. Hours and locations are available via NYC 311.
TRAVEL DISRUPTIONS
MTA subways and buses were running, though the schedule may be adjusted.
Local airports have canceled and delayed most flights — around 2,700 of them — through Monday.
NJ Transit Bus, rail, light rail and Access Link service is suspended. Gov. Sherrill said service is NOT likely to resume in time for the morning rush.
Long Island Railroad was running on a modified Sunday schedule, with no service between Ronkonkoma and Greenport and half-hourly service on the Babylon Branch. The LIRR will run on a weekend schedule tomorrow.
Metro-North Railroad operating hourly service on the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines today. New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury branches are running on a regular weekend schedule. Trains will operate on a Saturday schedule tomorrow, with additional rush hour trains.
Photo: Getty Images