Blizzard blankets Queens, postponing COVID vaccines

Ridgewood residents dig out their car during a short break in the blizzard Monday afternoon. Eagle photo by David Brand

By David Brand

A blizzard that hit Queens Sunday night is expected to dump up to 22 inches of snow across the borough by the time it peters out Tuesday, forcing school closures and the cancellation of COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

By 8 p.m. Monday, 17 inches of snow had fallen in Bellerose and 16 inches blanketed Howard Beach, according to the National Weather Service. 

Mayor Bill de Blasio issued a state of emergency limiting all but essential travel between Monday and Tuesday morning. He also suspended COVID-19 vaccine appointments to prevent people from leaving their homes.

“It'll be icy, it’ll be treacherous,” de Blasio said. “We do not want seniors, especially, out in those conditions. So, we're going to have vaccinations off for today and tomorrow – come back strong on Wednesday.”

De Blasio traveled to sites in each of the five boroughs, including to a Sanitation Department depot in Woodside, to assess the city’s response. 

As snow piled up on streets throughout New York City, and residents dug out their cars and sidewalks, Sanitation Commissioner Ed Grayson urged New Yorkers, particularly in Queens, to remain patient as they await the plows.

“We're coming, and being a former Queens resident for a very long time, I know the challenges in Queens and the men and women out there are very dedicated and we're committed to do the right thing,” Grayson said.   

State transit officials suspended above-ground train service at 2 p.m., while LaGuardia airport grounded all flights as snow pummeled the runways.

The city also announced it was hiring emergency snow laborers to help with the response starting at 8 a.m. today. For more information, visit https://on.nyc.gov/3ozIF01.