New York gets enough snow to dig, not despise

Worrying forecasts and technical problems with remote schools gave way to sunshine in New York City on Tuesday afternoon as the storm moved out of the area without as much drama as initially feared.

Snow totals reached 3.5 inches in Central Park – less than expected, but still the city's highest snowfall in two years.

The thin white blanket quickly turned to muddy sludge on city streets as residents dutifully shoved it off cars and sidewalks. The snow had considerably more staying power in the city's parks, and by midday dozens of children had overtaken the snowy hills of Brooklyn's Prospect Park. They raced down the slopes on colorful plastic sleds and inflatable tubes, throwing snowballs at each other and rolling snowmen into formation.

“It's exciting to actually have some snow to go sledding,” said Simon Bacchus, 47, whose 4-year-old son Kai nibbled on snow while in a sled.

With forecasters predicting up to 8 inches of snow in the city, New Yorkers had prepared for busy commutes and possible power outages, but such problems never materialized. The subways ran fine and few problems were reported with the streets, although some travelers did experience flight cancellations at the region's airports.

The mess was largely confined to the city's attempt to transition public schools to a remote learning day. Problems logging into classes frustrated many parents, who then decided to bail their children and take them out.

While some children adjusted to a inconsistent school day, others had to navigate significant snow for the first time.

Victoria Roberts, 38, and her husband, Alex, brought their son Julian to McCarren Park in Williamsburg. Julian, 3, was decked out in a snow jacket and pants decorated with dinosaurs, but he was adjusting to his snow boots, which he said were uncomfortable.

“He's still figuring it out,” Mrs. Roberts said. “He has to learn: this is only his third winter.”