by New York City, New York — Winter officially made its presence felt across parts of the Northeast this weekend as the first measurable snowfall of the season blanketed major cities, bringing slick roads, downed trees, and power outages in some areas.
Snow began falling late Saturday night and continued into Sunday morning, delivering measurable accumulation to cities that had so far avoided true winter conditions.
New York City sees season’s first measurable snow
By Sunday afternoon, New York City recorded 1.1 inches of snow, marking its first measurable snowfall of the season. Conditions varied by borough, with JFK International Airport in Queens reporting 2.6 inches, according to official measurements.
Outside the city, snowfall totals climbed significantly higher. Parts of Long Island picked up as much as 7 inches, creating hazardous travel conditions and slowing early-morning traffic across the region.
Road crews were deployed across the metro area to treat highways and secondary roads as temperatures hovered near freezing.
New England cities also report accumulation
Farther north, Boston recorded 1 inch of snow, while Providence, Rhode Island measured 2.5 inches, giving residents their first taste of winter weather this season.
While totals in major New England cities remained modest, untreated surfaces became slick early Sunday, especially on side streets and bridges.
Meteorologists noted that even light snowfall can have an outsized impact early in the season, when drivers and pedestrians have not yet adjusted to winter conditions.
New Jersey hit hardest by early snow
Among the hardest-hit areas was New Jersey, where several counties saw significantly heavier snow than surrounding states.
In Union County, snowfall totals reached 6.2 inches, while Essex County reported around 6 inches. The heavy, wet nature of the snow caused trees and power lines to topple, leading to widespread outages.
According to poweroutage.us, roughly 21,000 customers were without power across New Jersey at the height of the storm.
Utility crews worked throughout the day to restore service, while residents were urged to stay clear of downed lines and unstable tree limbs.
Heavy snow brings damage and disruption
The combination of snow weight and lingering leaves on trees contributed to the damage, especially in areas that received more than half a foot of accumulation.
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Local officials reported scattered road closures, delayed public transit, and slower emergency response times due to blocked streets and hazardous conditions.
Emergency management agencies emphasized that early-season storms can be particularly disruptive because infrastructure and vegetation have not yet adapted to winter stress.
Winter weather pattern taking shape
Meteorologists say this system marks a clear shift toward more typical winter patterns across the Northeast. While the storm moved out by Sunday afternoon, colder air remains in place, increasing the likelihood that future precipitation events will fall as snow rather than rain.
Forecasters caution that while this storm was manageable for most areas, additional snow events are likely in the coming weeks, especially as colder air becomes more established.
Residents share first snow moments
As the first measurable snow arrived, many residents across the region shared photos and videos of snow-covered streets, backyards, and parks — a sign that winter has officially arrived for millions.
From light coatings in major cities to heavy snow in suburban and inland areas, the weekend storm offered a preview of what the Northeast can expect as the season progresses.
What to expect next
While no major snowstorms are immediately forecast, officials urge residents to prepare vehicles, review winter safety plans, and monitor forecasts closely as temperatures trend colder.
Even small snowfalls can lead to slippery roads, power disruptions, and travel delays, particularly early in the season.
Did your area see its first measurable snow this weekend? How much fell where you live? Share your local totals and experiences in the comments below.
