The morning after a powerful winter system swept through the area, residents across New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut are digging out from what turned out to be the most substantial snowfall in close to four years, and it could’ve been even bigger. By Saturday dawn, the bulk of the flakes had stopped falling, leaving behind a mix of impressive accumulations and a fresh set of challenges on the ground.
In the heart of the city, Central Park picked up 4.3 inches overnight–right in line with predictions and marking the deepest covering there since early 2022, when more than eight inches piled up over a couple of days. Nearby spots like Fordham University matched that with 4.3 inches, while the airports at LaGuardia and JFK each saw about 4.1 inches.
The real heavy hitters were farther north and east, where persistent bands of snow lingered longer. Connecticut towns bore the brunt in several places: New Fairfield topped the list with 9.1 inches, followed by Bridgeport at 7.1, Fairfield with 7.0, and Newtown around 6.0. Long Island wasn’t far behind, as Babylon and Orient both measured 7.5 inches, with Hampton Bays close at 6.5.
Up in the Hudson Valley, communities caught a solid share too. These areas sat in the sweet spot for pure snow before any mixing kicked in.
Closer to the coast and southwest, sleet crept in more than anticipated, cutting totals shorter. New Jersey saw lighter amounts overall–Harrison with 4 inches, Springfield at 3, and Newark Airport just 2.5. That icy mix played a big role in keeping things down across those sections.
The storm ramped up Friday evening, dropping the majority of its load through the night before tapering off by morning. Most warnings lifted early Saturday, but the focus quickly turned to travel hazards. With highs stuck below freezing all day, every bit of slush, sleet, and snow is set to stay put and refreeze into treacherous patches.
Crews are out treating roads, but anyone heading out this weekend should take it slow–black ice could catch drivers off guard, especially on secondary streets and bridges. Sidewalks and driveways will need extra attention too, as the cold locks everything in place.
This kind of widespread event doesn’t happen every winter around here, making it a notable one right after the holidays. While kids might be eyeing the fresh powder for sledding, the lingering chill serves as a reminder that the season still has plenty of bite left. Stay bundled up and check conditions before any trips–safer to enjoy the wintry scene from indoors if possible. Stay up to date on conditions.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.