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Here Are the Five Biggest Snowstorms in New York City Since 1869
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Here Are the Five Biggest Snowstorms in New York City Since 1869

#snowstorm #blizzard warning #New York City #winter storm #Central Park #Weather Service #snowfall records #2016 blizzard

📌 Key Takeaways

  • New York City faces major snowstorm with 12-20 inches expected
  • First blizzard warning issued for the city since 2017
  • Storm follows January snowfall that broke temperature records
  • Article reviews five biggest snowstorms in NYC history since 1869

📖 Full Retelling

New Yorkers are bracing for a powerful winter storm expected to blanket the city with 12 to 20 inches of snow and blistering winds over the weekend of February 22-24, 2026, prompting the first blizzard warning issued for the city since 2017 according to the Weather Service. This upcoming storm follows another significant snowfall in January 2026 that dumped 11 inches of snow in Central Park and shattered low-temperature records. However, meteorologists note that this weekend's storm will be characterized by stronger winds and wetter conditions, creating near-blizzard conditions across the five boroughs. The National Weather Service has warned that while 12-20 inches is the expected range, some areas could potentially receive up to 24 inches of snow, making this one of the most significant winter storms to hit the city in recent years. New York City has a long history of devastating snowstorms, with records dating back to 1869. According to the National Weather Service, the five biggest snowstorms in the city's history include the January 2016 blizzard that brought 27.5 inches of snow; the February 2006 'Blizzard of '06' with 26.9 inches; the December 1947 storm that dropped 26.4 inches; the infamous March 1888 blizzard that paralyzed the region with 21 inches; and the February 2010 storm that delivered 20.9 inches of snow.

🏷️ Themes

Weather, History, New York City, Climate

📚 Related People & Topics

New York City

New York City

Most populous city in the United States

New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States. It is located at the southern tip of New York State on New York Harbor, one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive with its respective county.

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Central Park

Central Park

Public park in Manhattan, New York

Central Park is an urban park between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighborhoods of Manhattan in New York City, and the first landscaped park in the United States. It is the sixth-largest park in the city, containing 843 acres (341 ha), and the most visited urban park in the United States...

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National meteorological service

Type of government agency

A national meteorological service or national meteorological and hydrological service is a type of government agency in charge of each country's meteorological or hydrological matters, especially on missions like weather observation, data collection and monitoring, forecasting, and issuing warnings ...

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This article provides historical context for a significant upcoming winter storm by detailing the five largest snowstorms in New York City's recorded history. Understanding the scale and impact of past events helps residents and officials prepare for the potential severity of the current storm. It highlights the recurring threat of major winter weather to the city's infrastructure and safety.

Context & Background

  • The article was published on February 22, 2026, as the city prepared for a new storm with a blizzard warning.
  • The National Weather Service has kept official snowfall records for New York City since 1869.
  • The five storms listed all dumped more than 20 inches of snow on Central Park, causing significant disruption and fatalities.

What Happens Next

The immediate next step is the arrival of the forecasted storm, which is expected to bring 12 to 20 inches of snow and blizzard conditions. City officials and residents will implement emergency plans, including potential travel suspensions and school closures, based on the historical precedents outlined.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the biggest snowstorm in New York City history?

The biggest snowstorm was on January 22-24, 2016, which dropped 27.5 inches of snow in Central Park.

When was the last blizzard warning issued for New York City before the 2026 storm?

The last blizzard warning was issued in 2017.

How many people died in the Blizzard of 1888?

Approximately 200 New Yorkers died in the Blizzard of 1888.

Original Source
Advertisement SKIP ADVERTISEMENT Supported by SKIP ADVERTISEMENT Here Are the Five Biggest Snowstorms in New York City Since 1869 This week’s storm, which is expected to bring 12 to 20 inches of snow to the city, has prompted the first blizzard warning issued for the city since 2017. Listen to this article · 4:50 min Learn more Share full article By Ashley Ahn Feb. 22, 2026 Updated 7:24 a.m. ET New Yorkers are bracing for a powerful winter storm that is expected to batter the city with more than a foot of snow and blistering winds over the weekend. New York City is no stranger to heavy snowfall. In January, an immense snowstorm dumped 11 inches of snow in Central Park and shattered low-temperature records. But this storm will be windier and wetter, with near-blizzard conditions that are expected to blanket New York City with 12 to 20 inches of snow, with a chance of 24 inches or more possible. It has prompted the first blizzard warning issued for the city since 2017, according to the Weather Service. Here are the five biggest snowstorms in New York City history, according to the National Weather Service, and the damage they did in the city. Jan. 22-24, 2016: 27.5 inches A blizzard in January 2016 was the biggest snowstorm in New York City since records began in 1869. The storm, propelled by tropical-storm-force winds, was a swirling mass with a reach of nearly 1,000 miles that brought a record snowfall of 27.5 inches in Central Park, tore down trees and power lines and flooded low-lying beaches. The storm pummeled the city with as much as three inches of snow an hour. At least 18 people died in the storm, most while attempting to drive on icy highways or shovel snow in the winds. It even prevented Joseph R. Biden Jr., who was vice president at the time, from returning to Washington from Istanbul, where he had met with the Turkish president. Feb. 11-12, 2006: 26.9 inches Dubbed the Blizzard of ’06, a winter storm in February 2006 cloaked cities up and down the East C...
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Source

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