NEW YORK: In anticipation of a severe winter storm, New York City Mayor Zahran Mamdani has ordered the closure of all schools across the city, as a powerful blizzard is expected to blanket the region with heavy snowfall.
According to American media, a complete travel ban has been imposed for non-essential vehicles, effective from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. The city is bracing for between 18 to 24 inches of snow, with some areas potentially receiving up to 28 inches.
The severe weather has caused widespread disruption across the United States, with over 11,000 flights canceled and numerous others delayed. Major transit hubs have been significantly impacted; at John F. Kennedy International Airport, 42% of departing flights and 63% of arriving flights have been canceled.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ground stop warning for New York-area airports as a safety precaution. The National Weather Service has forecast that the heaviest snowfall and strong winds will occur from Sunday night through Monday morning.
