New York City’s winter has crossed an uncomfortable line this week, with freezing temperatures pushing the city’s rivers toward ice — and forcing commuter ferries off the water.
Officials confirmed that ferry services have been suspended after growing ice buildup made conditions too dangerous to operate safely.
For thousands of daily riders, the sudden halt has disrupted routines that normally depend on the waterways to move around the city.
Frozen Rivers Leave No Clear Return Date
The East River, Hudson River and large parts of New York Harbor have all been affected by persistent ice formation following the weekend’s major winter storm.
City officials said there is currently no firm timeline for when ferry service will resume.
In a message to passengers, NYC Ferry warned that the shutdown “may last for several more days,” as crews continue to monitor conditions and wait for temperatures to rise.
Bitter Cold Tightens Its Grip on the City
New York has been locked in deep freeze mode for days, with temperatures dropping into the teens and feeling even colder once wind chill is factored in.
Arctic air sweeping in from Canada has pushed overnight conditions well below zero in some areas.
The cold snap isn’t expected to ease quickly either, with forecasters warning that freezing temperatures could linger well into early February.
Ice Floes Turn Routine Routes Into Risky Waters
The decision to suspend ferry service wasn’t taken lightly.
Large chunks of ice drifting through busy waterways have made navigation increasingly hazardous, even for experienced crews.
Luis Melendez, a riverkeeper patrol captain who has worked New York Harbor for 16 years, described the situation as deeply stressful.
He explained that maneuvering ferries through shifting ice patches while carrying passengers creates constant tension and little margin for error.
Safety Comes First as Crews Stay on Standby
A service alert posted on the NYC Ferry website confirmed that all routes were shut down due to ice conditions across the harbor and major rivers.
While service was initially paused on Sunday because of poor visibility from snow, worsening ice has kept boats sidelined since.
Officials stressed that protecting passengers, crew members and vessels remains the top priority, and that preparations are ongoing so service can restart as soon as it’s safe.
Frustrated Commuters Vent Online
As the shutdown drags on, many New Yorkers have taken to social media to air their frustration.
Parents questioned how they’re supposed to get children to school, while others joked grimly that the ferry might not return until spring if the cold persists.
For regular riders, the loss of ferry service has added another layer of stress to an already difficult winter.
A Critical Transit System Put on Ice
NYC Ferry carried more than 7.4 million passengers last year, connecting Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx through multiple routes along the East River and beyond.
For many residents, it’s not just a convenience — it’s a daily necessity.
The longer the freeze lasts, the more pressure builds on alternative transit options already stretched thin.
Not Every Ferry Has Stopped Running
While NYC Ferry routes remain suspended, not all water crossings in the region are affected.
The Staten Island Ferry, which operates independently, continues to run on its normal schedule.
Elsewhere, NY Waterway service from Edgewater has been suspended, with buses replacing trips to Port Imperial.
Seastreak routes to West 39th Street have also been halted, and the Haverstraw–Ossining Ferry has relied on bus service since January 20.
Winter Storm Warnings Keep Uncertainty High
The National Weather Service is tracking another potential winter storm that could hit the eastern half of the US this weekend.
While forecasts remain mixed, the cold itself is expected to stick around — raising doubts about how quickly river ice will melt.
City officials have acknowledged that conditions are unlikely to improve in the short term.
Waiting on the Thaw
At least ten people lost their lives during the most recent storm, according to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, underscoring just how dangerous this stretch of weather has been.
For now, ferry riders are left waiting — watching frozen rivers and checking service alerts — hoping for warmer days and a safe return to the water.
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