First heavy snowfall prompts winter weather warnings in New York and New Jersey
The Tri-State area saw the the first widespread snowfall of the season on Sunday, December 14, 2025, departure slippery roads, reduced visibility and cascading travel disruptions through New York City, New Jersey and nearby suburbs.
Forecasters expected one rapidly impacting coastal system to deliver light to moderate totals, with 1-3 inches forecast for Manhattan and the areas north and west, and 3-6 inches covering parts of Staten Island, parts of Queens and Brooklyn, Long Island and much of central and southern New Jersey.
The National Weather Service issued a Winter storm warning for parts of New Jersey and a Winter weather advisory for New York City and much of the region through Sundaywhen the snow started late Saturday and continued through Sunday morning.
In Carteret, New Jersey, snow steadily piled up in cold, windy conditions, prompting officials to urge residents to limit driving where possible. Public works employees and private contractors deploy plows and salt trucks through streets and parking lots. One worker described the nightly effort to keep routes passable: “Yes, we work almost all night,” said Ambrosio Hernandez.
Transport networks showed immediate strain. New Jersey Transit reported delays of up to 30 minuteswhile the Gladstone Branch rail service was suspended in both directions after fallen trees damaged overhead lines near Murray Hill.
Air traffic was also affected: Newark Liberty International Airport experienced delays of about 170 minutes due to snow and iceAnd departures at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport were placed under a ground stop as conditions deteriorated in the morning hours.
New York City escalated its response as the snow fell. The Department of Sanitation published its response first snow alert of the seasonand the crews started pre-treat highways with brine to reduce road hardening and limit build-up. Mayor Eric Adams said agencies were prepared for the storm and urged residents to take precautions: “New Yorkers should all prepare too – avoid driving and give yourself extra travel time on public transportation if you must travel.”
To support snow operations, Adams announced The alternative parking rules will be suspended on Mondaywhile parking meter payment remains in effect. NYC Emergency Management emphasized that the The first accumulation of snowfall can catch people off guardespecially when light snow quickly compacts into slick layers on untreated sidewalks and secondary streets. “While we are not expecting a major storm, we do expect snow to remain stuck on roads and sidewalks,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol, who warned that early season conditions could quickly become dangerous.
Utilities also monitored the impact of storms. Con Edison reported that more than 400 customers were without power across the citywith the largest concentration in Brooklyn and smaller numbers in the Bronx and Queens.
However, conditions were expected to improve on Sunday afternoon The temperature was expected to remain below freezingincreasing the risk of refreezing. A clear but frigid Monday was expected, followed by a midweek warm-up that could push highs higher Thursday around 50 degrees.
Officials emphasized basic precautions: limit non-essential driving, build extra time into transit plans, dress in warm layersAnd avoid unsafe indoor heating practices. The residents were also called upon to do so check elderly neighbors and those with access needs and to Clear sidewalks carefully to prevent slips and falls.
