The 10 Items I Wished I’d Packed for the NYC Blizzard

Winter weather in New York City is just as unpredictable as the people you’ll encounter in the heart of Times Square, and that can be hard to pack for—and the February 22, 2026, blizzard proved just that for travelers who were stranded during the surprise snowfall, which reached up to nearly 2 feet and left more than 11,000 flights canceled. 

Take Reyna Edmonds, for example, who traveled to NYC to surprise her daughter for her birthday. Coming from Seattle, she was confident she had packed sufficiently for the city’s forecasted cloudy and damp weather until her departure on February 22—until the snow grounded her flight and left her stranded in NYC longer than she’d expected. 

As a travel writer, I’ve learned that, while you can’t predict a flight delay or cancellation, you can up your packing game to make sure that your carry-on is thoughtfully stocked to handle certain scenarios. After talking to a variety of tourists who found themselves stuck in NYC because of the winter storm, I’ve rounded up the winter essentials travelers wished they’d packed. Below are the top 10 items visitors regretted not having on hand while stranded in New York last week—from a simple scarf to quality snow boots, all available on Amazon for as low as $9.

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While packing your stylish jackets to sport while strolling the NYC streets might be tempting, in hindsight, Edmonds said she and her daughter should have reconsidered that strategy. “We only brought wool and leather jackets,” she said. “[We wished] we packed snow jackets.”

This insulated Columbia jacket, on sale now for 50 percent off, is a great option for cold winter days. With patented heat-reflective technology, down insulation, and waterproof materials, this coat is built for cold weather. Reviewers said the coats not only keep them warm, but also feel “surprisingly lightweight” for a winter coat. 

Snow boots might not feel essential if your NYC plans revolve around Broadway shows, restaurant-hopping, and taking the subway, but Jen Kaarlo, a London-based solo travel writer, says they’re the one thing she regrets skipping on a last-minute winter trip. “I decided to take myself to NYC for the long weekend…the things I really wish I had were my snow boots,”  she said. In hindsight, packing sneakers, heels, and slick-soled Chelsea boots instead of snow boots was a mistake.

A good, comfortable pair of snow boots, like those you can find from Oprah-approved brand Sorel, is invaluable in cold and snowy climates. One reviewer, who lives in Chicago, wrote, “I commute to work and generally walk about 40 minutes there and back. I was worried…that they’d be too heavy and uncomfortable, but I’ve found the boots to be comfortable and not bulky like some winter boots.” And trust me—it’s much more cost-effective to bring your own boots rather than shell out the cash to shop for a last-minute pair in NYC.

While Tessa Cooper, who was visiting the city from Wales, had thought ahead enough to waterproof her Ugg boots for the trip—a strategy that had served her well during bouts of wet weather in the UK—she said that it was “useless during the snow storm, and I really wish I had brought waterproof boots with me.” 

These Sorel boots—my personal go-to for snowy winter trips—are as practical as they are stylish. You can style them with leggings or jeans, and they’re both comfortable and durable—there’s not much more to ask for in a pair of winter boots. I’ve had mine for three years, and they still have plenty of life in them.

While Cooper was grateful for the winter accessories she brought along on her trip, a pair of gloves with better touchscreen capabilities is another item she’d pack next time: “I walked around with one glove on a lot, so I could take photos.”

I myself spent far too much time on a recent trip to NYC with one glove for the same reason. This pair of best-selling gloves on Amazon is designed for winter outings, and one reviewer wrote, “they are warm, comfortable, well-fitting, and the touchscreen feature works well with both smartphones and smart watches.” 

Another common packing woe among the stranded travelers? Not packing a warmer scarf. Luckily, I had my Furtalk style, which is the perfect balance between tight-knit and lightweight, providing an additional warm layer without taking up much luggage space. It’s oversized and could easily be used to wrap around your head or face to shield from wind and snow, too. At just $12, it’s an essential to pack for any winter trip.

Even before the snow started falling, Edmonds realized how valuable an umbrella would be in NYC, and she ended up buying one on the street during the storm. To plan ahead, pack this compact, portable travel umbrella from Amazon, so you can avoid spending precious time on your trip tracking down an umbrella. One reviewer says this umbrella easily fits in a purse or backpack, “despite its small size, it provides good rain coverage and UV protection from the sun.” For only $10, I’d say the peace of mind is well worth it.

While Edmonds was left with very few of her belongings after her bags boarded a Seattle-bound flight on Sunday morning without her, she’s grateful she didn’t send ahead all of the portable chargers she packed. By a happy accident, “I brought three powerbanks, which I’m so happy I did now,” she said. Between snapping photos all day, using your phone maps to navigate the city’s endless streets and subway system, and making frantic phone calls to reschedule canceled flights, a power bank really might be the thing that saves your trip.

Cooper, on the other hand, accidentally packed a portable charger that was not compatible with her phone. To avoid these issues, try packing a Magsafe power bank—which will also eliminate cords, making charging on the go a little less awkward. 

While Edmonds didn’t forget her toiletries, when her luggage was sent ahead to Seattle while she was still grounded, she had to purchase replacements for her extended stay in the city—a potentially expensive and really inconvenient need during a storm. While packing a carry-on isn’t always an option for travelers, having an emergency toiletry bag stashed in your carry-on is a good way to avoid these situations. 

This TSA-approved bag is compact, yet practical and durable—a real win when it comes to storing your liquids. One reviewer wrote that this bag “holds twice what a [disposable] baggie holds and organizes everything so well.” 

After Edmonds realized her bags would board the Seattle-bound flight and she would not, pajamas and sweats were also on her shopping list while she waited out the storm. Whether you’re looking for something to wear while cozying up in your room or venturing out in the storm to explore, this Prettygarden two-piece set can do it all. The Amazon best-seller is recognized for its high-quality feel and flattering, yet comfortable fit, which is perfect for any snow day activity in the city. 

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