On Tuesday morning, January 27, many BHSECQ students woke up to freezing temperatures, slippery sidewalks, and delayed trains due to the major New York City snowstorm that dropped 8-15 inches of snow across the five boroughs. While New Yorkers are used to cold winters, this storm felt particularly intense, mainly due to the unsafe conditions, fear, and paranoia it had spread around the city.
Many students and teachers alike reported being late to school on account of the delayed trains, buses, and the massive piles of unshoveled snow blocking sidewalks and crossroads. “My train was late and the platform was freezing,” said one Year 1 at BHSECQ. “By the time I got to school, my hands were numb.” Others said walking to school felt risky because of black ice. Beyond the commute, the weather affected daily student life in smaller ways. Some after-school activities and sports practices were canceled, and many students said they were less motivated to stay out after school.
But the storm didn’t just change routines. It created a sense of anxiety among the residents of NYC, at least a week before the storm actually hit. Many people rushed to grocery stores and cleared out the shelves, fearing the worst, while social media predicted how bad it would get. It felt like everyone expected the city to shut down completely. The storm also raised questions about changing weather patterns in New York. While snowstorms are normal in the winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that climate change can lead to more extreme and unpredictable weather, including sudden cold snaps and intense storms.
Looking towards the future, many students are wondering if this snowstorm will be a sign of what future winters will look like. Some believe another storm could still be coming before the end of the month, while others are just praying that the streets will be clean again. Whether or not another snowstorm hits, this storm was a reminder of how much the weather affects our lives in the city, from getting to school on time to after-school plans. As NYC continues to face unpredictable weather, students will likely keep adapting to it, one snowstorm at a time.