NYC Ferry Service Suspended Due to Severe Ice Conditions

The NYC Ferry suspended all services on Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. due to significant ice accumulation in the Hudson River, East River, and New York Harbor. The operator indicated that the suspension could last "for several days" as conditions remain hazardous. The decision was made in response to the ongoing severe winter weather, which has included heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures across the region.

NYC Ferry suspends service due to icy conditionsUSA Icy rivers in New York - ferry service largely suspendedNYC Ferry suspends service, may be out of operation ‘for several days’ due to icy rivers

The ferry service suspension follows a weekend winter storm that dumped between 11 to 14 inches of snow across the five boroughs of New York City, leading to widespread disruptions. Tragically, at least 10 fatalities have been reported in connection with the storm. The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for Staten Island, warning of wind chills dropping to between 5 to 8 degrees below zero. These conditions are expected to exacerbate the ice situation in the waterways.

NYC Ferry suspends service due to icy conditionsUSA Icy rivers in New York - ferry service largely suspendedNYC Ferry suspends service, may be out of operation ‘for several days’ due to icy rivers

In light of the icy conditions, NYC Ferry crews are actively monitoring the waterways and preparing the fleet for a potential resumption of service once conditions improve. Tugboats have been deployed to clear ice from the ferry routes, although the Staten Island Ferry, operated separately by the Department of Transportation, continues to run unaffected.

NYC Ferry suspends service, may be out of operation ‘for several days’ due to icy rivers

The suspension of ferry services is not isolated; other ferry operators in the region have also reduced or suspended their services due to the severe weather. The New York Waterway has reported delays and modified schedules, particularly affecting routes to and from Edgewater, New Jersey.

NYC Ferry suspends service, may be out of operation ‘for several days’ due to icy rivers

Local residents and transportation officials have expressed concerns regarding the safety of navigating through icy waters. Riverkeeper Patrol Captain Luis Melendez highlighted the increased risks involved in transporting passengers through ice-laden rivers, stating, “You’re moving people from place to place, and you’re navigating through these kind of like ice patch and ice floes.”

NYC Ferry suspends service, may be out of operation ‘for several days’ due to icy rivers

The NYC Ferry operator has communicated that service will remain suspended until conditions improve, emphasizing the need for safety in operations. They noted, "Operating in heavy ice conditions requires slow speeds and little to no notice regarding landing service suspensions."

NYC Ferry suspends service, may be out of operation ‘for several days’ due to icy rivers

As the region braces for potentially more severe weather, including another possible snowstorm this weekend, the NYC Ferry and other transportation services will continue to assess conditions. The ongoing cold temperatures are likely to prolong the ice issues affecting ferry operations.

USA Icy rivers in New York - ferry service largely suspendedNYC Ferry suspends service due to icy conditionsNYC Ferry suspends service, may be out of operation ‘for several days’ due to icy rivers

• “the closure may last for several days.” — NYC Ferry Operator

NYC Ferry suspends service, may be out of operation ‘for several days’ due to icy rivers

• “You’re moving people from place to place, and you’re navigating through these kind of like ice patch and ice floes,” — Luis Melendez, Riverkeeper Patrol Captain

NYC Ferry suspends service, may be out of operation ‘for several days’ due to icy rivers