What’s Open & Closed In NYC During The Storm? Your Guide To Transit, Attractions, Local Businesses, & More

Just in case you missed the news phenomenon this week, NYC is bracing for one of its **largest blizzards in years**. (Yes, those winter weather predictions were correct.) Since it’s been a hot minute since we experienced any real significant snowfall in Gotham, you might be wondering what’s open and closed in NYC during a blizzard. Allow us to break it all down for you. What’s open & closed in NYC during the storm? --------------------------------------------- New York is under a **state of emergency**, and people are encouraged to stay home. However, if you do find yourself out at some point throughout the snowfall, here’s what to expect. ### NYC transit: subways and buses The MTA encourages travelers to check the **latest service status online** or in the MTA or TrainTime app . Although operations are planning on running, delays and rerouting are possible. Per the MTA, here’s what to expect across the system, depending on the severity of the storm: * Storm warning / light snow (1–7 inches): Regular service, with salt and sand on platforms * Moderate snow (8–12 inches): Reduced service, especially on express tracks * Heavy snow or blizzard (12+ inches): Possible system shutdown; only essential travel recommended ### Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North, New Jersey Transit, and Amtrak The MTA encourages travelers on the Long Island Rail Road to check the **latest service status online** or in the MTA or TrainTime app . According to a press release from **NJ Transit**: > Due to the latest forecasts of impending winter storm impacts, NJ TRANSIT will temporarily suspend all Bus, Light Rail, and Access Link services at 4:00 AM on Sunday, January 25. Rail Service will be suspended at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 25. Amtrak recommends travelers to sign up for **delay alert notifications**. According to a **press release**, > Out of an abundance of caution, and in consultation with our contract meteorologists, host railroads, and local officials, Amtrak is making every effort to notify customers of service cancellations due to predicted dangerous weather conditions. Customers can rebook or request refunds without penalties on Amtrak.com, in the Amtrak mobile app, or by calling our Care Center at 1-800-USA-RAIL. ### Flights Before leaving for the airport, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey insists you check the status of your flight via the **Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)** website. Additionally, you should check in with your airline for further updates. At this time, FlightAware has reported roughly 13,000 flight cancellations across the country between Saturday and Sunday, according to **PBS**. ### Citi Bike Beginning at 12pm ET on Sunday, January 25th, Citi Bikes will be locked and unavailable until further notice. ### NYPL, BPL, and QPL All branches of the New York Public Library , Brooklyn Public Library , and Queens Public Library will be closed on Sunday, January 25th. ### Museums and attractions Museums and attractions are announcing closures on their websites and social media pages, so be sure to check specific locations if you’re venturing out of the house. A few closures thus far, to name a few, include: * The Bronx Zoo * Brooklyn Botanic Garden * Central Park Zoo * New York Aquarium * The New York Botanical Garden * Prospect Park Zoo * Queens Botanical Garden ### Local shops and restaurants Similarly to museums and attractions, local mom and pop stores and restaurants in NYC have begun posting closures on their websites and various social media pages. Be sure to check specific businesses before heading out. ### Grocery stores and pharmacies Grocery stores and pharmacies are expected to be open unless otherwise noted on their website or social media pages, which we uncovered by searching through company websites. As is the case with any location you’re looking to visit, call ahead before leaving the house in the event closures take place . If your local grocery store and/or pharmacy are open, do expect possible delayed openings and early closures. ### Hospitals and urgent care facilities While hospitals remain open, not all urgent are facilities are operating on their normal Sunday schedule, if at all, according to various web searches. Call ahead before planning a visit to your local urgent care center to see if they are accepting patients . Should you experience a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1. Be sure to sign up for [NYC’s free emergency alerts](https://a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc/) by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692. Stay safe, NYC. Source: https://secretnyc.co/whats-open-and-closed-in-nyc-during-the-snowstorm-january-2026/