Snow Day! What It Looks Like When New York City Comes Out to Play.

NYT Homepage

by Dodai Stewart

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

New York City experienced a rare and magical snow day as a historic blizzard blanketed the five boroughs in snow, bringing the bustling metropolis to a near standstill. With 19.7 inches of snow recorded in Central Park by midday, this storm ranked among the top 10 snowstorms in the city's history, dating back to 1869. The snowfall was so heavy that it surpassed previous records, including the 19-inch snowstorm in January 2011. The blizzard even brought a sense of excitement for New York City schoolchildren, as Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that public schools would be closed, marking the city’s first snow day in nearly seven years. The quiet beauty of the snow-covered city was a stark contrast to its usual chaotic energy. With travel restrictions in place and few vehicles on the roads, the streets became unusually serene. The landscape transformed into a serene winter wonderland, with tree branches, awnings, and fire escapes outlined in white. People across the city found joy in the snow, from sledding in Fort Greene Park to frolicking in Times Square and Bowne Playground. The snowfall provided an opportunity for residents to break free from their routines, creating snowmen, snow angels, and simply enjoying the crisp, clean air. The snowstorm also brought a sense of community as people came together to appreciate the rare stillness of the city. For a few hours, litter and grime were replaced by a pristine, mythical landscape that felt almost otherworldly. The silence of the streets allowed for moments of reflection and appreciation for the beauty that nature can bring to even the most chaotic cities. As snow continued to fall, there was hope that it might set a new record, though it fell

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026