NEW YORK CITY — The city dug its way out of a thick blanket of snow Friday morning after an overnight storm dumped up to 9 inches in some neighborhoods prompting schools to close, slowing down subway and bus service, and keeping many New Yorkers in their homes.
Superintendent Julio Burus traveled from Grand Concourse in The Bronx to clear a patch of sidewalk in front of the First Avenue apartment building where he works.
"It's crazy. At least I have gloves and a nice shovel. I put two bags of salt down, but it's still a lot of work. It's the job, though. Who else is gonna do it?" he said about 9 a.m., visibly tired after shoveling for two hours.
Brooklyn, The Bronx and Queens reported the heaviest snowfall with totals topping nine inches in Greenpoint, Bergen Beach, Glendale and Bedford Park, according to the National Weather Service.
Woodside was hit with 7.8 inches and Central Park reported 5 inches about 5 a.m., the NWS said.
Travel conditions were difficult and sometimes dangerous as temperatures in the low teens prevented snow from melting and 25 miles per hour winds whipped it up to reduce visibility, officials warned.
"The problem with this particular kind of snow is that it's fluffy... You can plow it and blow it, but the next thing you know, the wind kicks up and it's back where it was," said MTA spokeswoman Marjorie Anders.
Commuters were advised to opt for mass transit instead of driving, but to check for service updates on the MTA's website.
Here's how Thursday night's snow storm affected the city:
► Subways and Buses
Scattered delays were reported on several subway lines and most bus routes, but there weren't any major problems, Anders said.
Ridership was down throughout the transit system on Friday, the MTA said, but many New Yorkers still had to brave the blustering weather and head into work.
“My husband couldn’t get out the car this morning, so we waited 25 minutes for a cab [in Queens], so now I’m late to work. It’s a nuisance," said 31-year-old Janice Torres as she waited for a bus in the East Village.
"Look how long the bus is taking to come. I’ve been waiting 10 minutes. Usually it comes all the time,” she said.
Straphangers were advised to visit the MTA's website for updates.
► Bridges and Roads
Alternate side parking regulations were suspended, the mayor's office said.
The city has deployed nearly 2,500 plows from various agencies to help clear the roadways, according to the Department of Sanitation.
The city's PlowNYC map provided live updates on snow plows' progress throughout the city.
Drivers were asked to reduce their speed on the MTA's bridges and tunnels because of high winds and slippery conditions, according to their website.
► Ferries
The Staten Island Ferry was running on a modified schedule, according to the Department of Transportation.
The East River Ferry was running close to normal, their website said.
All Rockaway Ferry service was suspended due to high winds, the ferry's Twitter feed reported.
► Regional Travel and Airports
Regional rail service, including Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road, was running on weekend schedules on Friday morning.
AirTrains were still running to JFK airport though many flights were delayed or canceled due to blocked runways, according to the Port Authority and Federal Aviation Administration.
LaGuardia and Newark airports were also reporting delays and cancellations, the Port Authority said.
Air travelers were advised to check their carriers for flight information.
► Schools
Citing the severe weather, new schools chancellor Carmen Fariña made the announcement early Friday, just a day after she took office and students returned from winter break.
"Student after-school programs and PSAL games are also canceled. We urge New Yorkers to exercise caution when going outside," the chancellor said in a statement.
All CUNY classes were cancelled, according to the mayor's office.
NYU also canceled classes by extending its winter break through Friday, according to the school's website.
► Other Government Agencies
Garbage and recycling pickup was suspsended, the mayor's office said.
Senior centers are closed, the office said.
The DMV, libraries, and New York courts are all open, according to 311.
However federal courts are closed, the agency said.
► Snow Fun
New Yorkers took to the city's slopes for some wintertime sledding.
And though many adults were forced to make the grueling treck to work some still did their best to enjoy the snow.
“It’s amazing. I love the snow. It’s the winter. Kids can play outside, breathe the fresh air a little bit," said Elena Rakac, a 34-year-old Bellevue nurse.
“It reminds me of my childhood — I always played with my brother and sister outside. It’s very nice.”
For the latest on weather in your neighborhood, check DNAinfo's weather page.
