Massive Winter Storm Blasts NY/NJ, Most Schools and Yeshivos Closed

A winter storm today crippled air travel, prompted the nation’s largest public school district to declare a rare snow day and caused the death of a motorist. The storm dumped up to a foot of snow on the metropolitan area, and wind gusts caused drifting in some spots. More than 900 flights were canceled – a majority of all flights at Kennedy, Newark and LaGuardia airports, according to the Port Authority. Travelers were urged to call their carriers. 

More than one million city school kids in New York had an unplanned day off from the books. Most yeshivos and schools are closed, though many mesivtos and botei medrash are opened. In the Five Towns, Williamsburg, Monsey,

The National Weather Service said another 3 1/2 inches could fall by early afternoon. A storm warning was in effect until 6 p.m. today, with wind gusts near 35 mph, said meteorologist John Murray.

25 mph speed restrictions are being enforced at all bridges in the Tri-State area.

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic was light during the morning commute.

Sidewalks were slushy and many crosswalks were snow packed. Some vehicles fishtailed on slippery streets. Drivers tried to maneuver out of snow-filled parking spots, tires spinning.

Bus and subway service was running near normal with scattered delays.

Long Island Rail Road and PATH service were running on or close to schedule. Metro-North reported delays of up to 30 minutes on some trains. It advised riders to allow extra time and to watch for slippery platforms.

Sunny but brisk and windy weather is expected for tomorrow.

{Matzav.com NYC Newsroom/WCBS-HD}