The Tri-State area awoke on December 27, 2025, to a sight it hadn’t seen in years: streets, parks, and rooftops blanketed in a thick layer of snow. The winter storm, which meteorologists had warned could be the most significant in nearly four years, did not disappoint—at least for those longing for a classic winter scene, though perhaps not for travelers and commuters. According to WABC, Central Park recorded 4.3 inches, the highest single-storm total since January 2022, when over eight inches fell in a single event. For a city that had gone almost two years without meaningful snowfall between February 2022 and January 2024, this was a notable return to form.
But New York City wasn’t the only place to see a dramatic change in scenery. The heaviest snow fell north and east of the city, with Connecticut and parts of the Hudson Valley receiving the lion’s share. NBC New York reported that New Fairfield, Connecticut, recorded an impressive 9.1 inches, while Bridgeport saw 7.1 inches and Fairfield 7 inches. In the Hudson Valley, Lake Carmel measured 6.5 inches, Armonk 6.4, and Peekskill 6.1. Long Island, too, saw significant accumulation, with North Patchogue at 6.8 inches and Hampton Bays at 6.5, according to Patch and WABC.
The storm’s timing was classic for winter weather drama. As The Economic Times detailed, snow began falling steadily in New York City and the surrounding suburbs on the evening of December 26, 2025, making driving hazardous. The National Weather Service had initially forecasted higher totals, but as the storm progressed, projections were adjusted downward to 2 to 5 inches for New York City and northeast New Jersey. Even so, the snow that did arrive was substantial for a region that, as The Economic Times noted, had struggled to accumulate even a foot of snow in some places over the last three winters.
Forecasters and officials were on high alert. FOX 5 NY reported that the National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings and advisories stretching from 4 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday. The highest impacts, they said, would be felt across southeast New York, northeast New Jersey, and southern Connecticut—including New York City and Long Island. "I can't even remember the last time that we had a snow storm that brought us up to a half a foot maybe even more," said FOX 5 NY’s Mike Woods. For much of the region, this storm marked the most significant snow in years, with FOX Weather noting it had been more than 1,400 days since New York City recorded over six inches in a 24-hour period.
Travelers were urged to take precautions. New York’s Governor and the acting governor of New Jersey both declared states of emergency ahead of the storm, as reported by FOX 5 NY. New York City Mayor Eric Adams held a press conference, warning residents to be cautious as the snow intensified on Friday night. The Friday evening commute was, predictably, a mess. Snow fell hard and heavy across much of the area, causing treacherous driving conditions and delays for millions returning home after the Christmas holiday.
Yet, not every area saw the same dramatic totals. The intrusion of sleet and a minor shift in the storm’s track reduced accumulations, particularly in New York City and points south and west. WABC explained that Fordham in the Bronx matched Central Park’s 4.3 inches, while LaGuardia and JFK airports each reported 4.1 inches. Across the river in New Jersey, numbers were lower still: Harrison saw four inches, Springfield three, and Newark just 2.5. Patch’s reporting for Long Island revealed a range of totals, from 6.8 inches in North Patchogue down to just over an inch in Rockville Centre, with the heaviest snow front-loading Friday evening before tapering off late at night.
As the storm wound down by dawn Saturday, the focus shifted from falling snow to what lay underfoot. Temperatures were forecast to remain below freezing throughout December 27, 2025, meaning all that snow—and the inevitable patches of ice—would stick around. WABC emphasized that an AccuWeather Alert remained in effect due to slick roads, with crews working through the morning to clear major arteries. Meteorologist Jeff Smith, also with WABC, described the system as an "Alberta Clipper on steroids," noting how it had been supercharged by energy from Pacific storms before slamming into cold air over the Northeast. The result: a quick, intense burst of snow that left its mark across the region.
For many, the storm was a reminder of winters past, when snow days and shoveling were regular features of the season. In the years leading up to this event, New York City had seen a string of lackluster winters. According to The Economic Times, the city recorded just over a foot of snow last season—an improvement over the 7.5 inches the year before and the paltry 2.3 inches the winter before that. From February 2022 to January 2024, meaningful snowfall was almost nonexistent. This latest storm, then, wasn’t just a meteorological event—it was a return to something approaching normalcy for the region’s winter weather patterns.
Looking ahead, the forecast promised little immediate relief from the cold. Patch reported that temperatures on December 27 would hover in the low to mid-30s, with little melting expected. As night fell, the mercury was set to drop into the teens, raising concerns about refreezing and dangerous black ice. There was a silver lining for those weary of winter’s grip: by Sunday, temperatures were expected to climb into the low 40s, and by Monday, the lower 50s—with rain on the way to help wash away the lingering snow.
For now, though, the Tri-State area is left to enjoy—or endure—the aftermath of a storm that lived up to its billing. Whether you’re a snow lover or someone already counting the days to spring, there’s no denying the impact of this December blast. As residents dig out, bundle up, and perhaps sneak in a few snowball fights, the region is reminded that, sometimes, winter can still surprise us.
