On Monday morning, Times Square in New York was covered in snow after a powerful storm swept through the northeastern United States. This weather event prompted the mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, to implement significant measures, including closing city streets to non-essential vehicles, as well as suspending the use of bicycles and scooters from Sunday evening until noon on Monday, and shutting down all schools for the day. The severity of the storm, which was expected to bring as much as 60 centimeters of snow and high winds, warranted action from nearby governors as well, who declared states of emergency and suspended non-essential travel in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

The impact of the storm was felt not only on the ground but also in the air, with over 15,000 flight delays reported by Sunday afternoon, and more than 3,500 cancellations across regional airports, particularly at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, which serve New York City. These cancellations and delays compounded the travel chaos already exacerbated by the severe weather, affecting thousands of passengers. The storm's reach and its disruption to daily life underscore the challenges that extreme winter weather poses to urban centers and transportation systems in the region, urging officials to prioritize safety and preparedness during such events.

Amidst the snowfall and closures, Times Square remained iconic, yet largely empty, as citizens and tourists heeded warnings to stay home due to hazardous conditions. Notably, a local character known as the 'Naked Cowboy' was mentioned, further illustrating the unique and vibrant personality of Times Square, as he is recognized for entertaining passersby at the site. However, the storm's reality overshadowed such local color, focusing attention on the importance of safety and community resilience in the face of unprecedented weather events.