BOSTON — A strong winter storm pounding the Northeast with stiff winds and punishing cold dumped nearly 2 feet of snow in parts of the region on Thursday and threatened more.
The National Weather Service said 21 inches of snow had fallen in Boxford, just north of Boston, by Thursday night. It said parts of upstate New York had 18 inches.
The brutal weather extended Christmas break for some students while posing the first test for New York’s new mayor and perhaps the last challenge for Boston’s outgoing one.
Some schools in New England and New York closed well ahead of the Thursday snowfall. Cities have mobilized plows and salt spreaders. Some major highways have been ordered shut down overnight. Efforts are underway to get homeless people into the warmth and safety of shelters.
U.S. airlines have canceled more than 2,300 flights nationwide. More than 80 delays and 10 cancellations were reported at Denver International Airport because of the ripple effects.
The heavy weather began rolling in just a day after New York Mayor Bill de Blasio was sworn in to lead the nation’s largest city and a few days before Boston Mayor Thomas Menino ends 20 years in office.
Menino announced a parking ban and said schools would be closed Friday in Boston.
“What a New Year’s gift, to receive one last snowstorm as mayor,” said Menino, whose successor takes office on Monday.
De Blasio, who as public advocate in 2010 criticized his predecessor Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his handling of a post-Christmas storm, said hundreds of plows and salt spreaders would be on the streets as soon as the snow started falling.
“We have to get it right, no question about it,” de Blasio said. “We are focused like a laser on protecting this city and getting everyone ready. We have all hands on deck.”
Snow began falling overnight Wednesday in parts of New England and New York state, but the brunt of the storm wasn’t expected until late Thursday. Forecasters said temperatures would plummet, with some areas seeing highs just above zero and wind-chill readings of minus-10 and colder.
