New York's snowstorm chaos leaves crosswalks buried and pedestrians struggling
A heavy snowstorm blanketed parts of New York City over the weekend, dumping more than a foot of snow and sleet in some areas. With freezing temperatures expected to persist, the snow is unlikely to melt soon, leaving many sidewalks and crosswalks obstructed.
By Tuesday, large piles of snow still blocked numerous crosswalks across the city. Some pedestrians carved narrow paths through the drifts, while others found only one side of crosswalks cleared, pushing them into the street. The lack of warmer weather has slowed natural melting, making snow removal more difficult.
City officials have urged residents to remain patient as crews work to clear the remaining snow. Private property owners are responsible for shovelling their own sidewalks, with fines possible if they fail to comply. This policy mirrors similar regulations in other major cold-weather cities like Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Denver, where stricter snow management rules have been introduced in recent years.
No official count exists of how many U.S. cities have adopted comparable ordinances in the past five years. However, the trend reflects growing efforts to improve pedestrian safety during harsh winter conditions.
The lingering snow and cold conditions will likely keep sidewalks hazardous for the rest of the week. Property owners must clear their walkways to avoid penalties, while pedestrians continue navigating uneven and partially blocked paths. City crews are working to restore full access, but progress depends on weather and compliance with local rules.
