By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily
Hello neighbors. We’re finally on the other side of Winter Storm Fern, and while the snow has eased, the effects are still very much with us. Our island and the broader Tri-State area have been digging out, assessing impacts, and coping with bitter cold that’s expected to stick around.
Snow Totals and Cleanup
This was one for the books. After the storm moved offshore, crews and residents tallied significant snowfall across New York City and surrounding areas:
- Central Park recorded 11.4 inches, among the highest official totals.
- In some spots like Washington Heights, nearly 15 inches of snow was reported.
- Surrounding boroughs from Brooklyn to Staten Island saw double-digit snow as well.
Friends, that’s more than enough to bury sidewalks, pile snow at every corner, and demand serious shoveling and plowing.
Travel, Transit, and Power
Even though the snow has tapered off, the storm’s legacy is still affecting movement and services:
- Air travel remains disrupted with thousands of canceled or delayed flights across major hubs.
- Long roads and bridges still carry packed snow and ice in shaded or untreated areas, so caution is key.
- Some regions nationwide experienced power outages due to ice and cold, though most local service has been restored.
On Roosevelt Island, MTA service was reported near normal by Monday morning, but buses and local routes may run slower as crews continue clearing streets.
Tragically, Losses and Hazards
We remember there were storm-related deaths reported across the region as communities faced frozen roads, ice-covered surfaces, and extreme cold.
Let’s hold space for those impacted, and keep an eye on each other through this extended cold snap. We also know that trees, power lines, and outdoor infrastructure took a beating in some areas, and recovery work is ongoing.
What’s Ahead: Cold and Caution
While the snow has moved on, the cold hasn’t. Forecasts suggest frigid temperatures lingering well into the week, with highs struggling to climb above freezing and wind chills dipping low.
For our community that means:
- Dress in layers for any time spent outside.
- Keep an eye on slippery spots that may refreeze after the sun sets.
- Help neighbors with snow removal and check on anyone who may need extra support.
Public transit is expected to operate, but delays and adjustments are still possible. Subways are generally running, but bus routes may take longer than usual.
Roosevelt Island Recovering Together
We’re in cleanup mode now. Snow piles line our streets, plows continue their work, and that familiar winter scene may feel a little overwhelming right now. But there’s something neighborly about shovels in hand, conversations over cleared walks, and mutual support as we make our way back to normal.
Stay warm, stay attentive to updated conditions, and above all, take care of one another as we move into this cold week together.
The Line That Didn’t Land
I stood in the back of Good Shepherd Chapel on the evening of April 15, 2026, at the Steam Plant Demolition Town Hall, watching people adjust scarves and jackets before the meeting began. Benjamin Jones, President and CEO of RIOC, thanked us for attending and, without a pause, said he was “pleased to host tonight’s town hall on the city’s demolition of its steam plant.” The demolition, in other words, was not up for discussion.
