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Winter Storm Fern Claims 16 Lives, NYC Braces for More

2/5/2026

35 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Winter Storm Fern left New York City with over a foot of snow.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported that 16 deaths have been linked to the cold snap.
Sanitation crews have cleared 60,000 crosswalks and 12,000 fire hydrants.
The city faces another Arctic blast this weekend as temperatures hover around freezing.
Residents are urged to dig out their cars and comply with alternative side parking rules suspended until February 8.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1888, which struck from March 11 to 14, paralyzed the northeastern United States, causing over 400 deaths and halting transportation for days. The storm's severity prompted significant changes in urban infrastructure, including the development of underground rail systems in cities like New York, enhancing emergency preparedness for future weather events.

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Story summary

Winter Storm Fern left New York City with over a foot of snow.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported that 16 deaths have been linked to the cold snap.
Sanitation crews have cleared 60,000 crosswalks and 12,000 fire hydrants.
The city faces another Arctic blast this weekend as temperatures hover around freezing.
Residents are urged to dig out their cars and comply with alternative side parking rules suspended until February 8.

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