Two 13-year-old entrepreneurs, Aaron and Ted, sold hot chocolate in Prospect Park during Winter Storm Fern. They adapted their business after heavy snow hindered their usual stoop-shoveling enterprise. Their $3-a-cup hot chocolate was a hit among families enjoying the snow day.

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The winter storm that slammed much of New York was enough to bury even an upstate transportation worker.

"Snowbanks in Oswego County are measuring one and a quarter Jeremy's" the state Department of Transportation quipped in a Facebook Post alongside a snap of massive local lake-effect snowdrifts -- including one dwarfing department staffer Jeremy Johnson.

The Facebook post features an pic of Johnson standing along a snowbank with his arm raised over his head -- which barely reaches the top of the frigid pile.

"Lake effect snow has pummeled northern Oswego County again, stacking higher than NYSDOT Equipment Operator Instructor Jeremy Johnson," the post said. "And with another major winter storm on the way, it looks like there will be even more measuring ahead."

A second photo shows a DOT snowplow clearing the roadway and leaving behind a towering wall of ice along one side.

"Remember," the department said. "Slow down, stay alert, and give our crews the space they need to keep roads clear."

Winter Storm Fern has caused at least 18 deaths across the US, including two teenagers in separate sledding accidents in Texas and Arkansas. The storm impacted over 235 million Americans, with fatalities reported from various causes, including snow removal, hypothermia, and a snowplow accident.

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At least 14 people have died during the historic storm -- including a 16-year-old girl who died in a sledding accident in Texas.

Five people died in New York City, according to Mayor Mamdani, and another person died in Massachusetts, ABC News reported.

A 16-year-old girl died in Frisco, Texas, when she was being pulled on a sled by another teenager driving a car. The sled struck a curb and the girl smashed into a tree, according to police.

Another person was found dead from hypothermia outside of an Austin, Texas gas station, officials said.

An additional three deaths were reported in Tennessee, two in Louisiana and one in Kansas, authorities said.

Hundreds of flights in and out of New York City's airports were again canceled Monday, a day after the huge snowstorm brought most cancellations in a single day across the US since the COVID pandemic.

JFK Airport had already canceled 45% of its scheduled departures, while Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport each canceled 44%, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware.

JFK additionally canceled 35% of its arrivals, Newark 36% and LaGuardia 33%, according to the site.

On Sunday, airlines canceled more than 11,000 flights -- the most for a single day since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and nearly triple the number of U.S. flights that were canceled for Saturday, according to CBS News.

DoorDash announced it would suspend all deliveries in New York City Monday until at least 10 a.m. EST due to the winter storm.

“Due to hazardous conditions, including snow and ice brought by this unprecedented winter storm, we’ve activated our Severe Weather Protocol and temporarily suspended operations in New York City,” DoorDash said in a statement.

“We encourage everyone in affected areas to follow local guidance and take necessary precautions, and we will resume operations as soon as it’s safe to do so," the statement continued.

Commuting a day after the storm may be a headache.

The LIRR announced it would be running on a weekend schedule Monday — a day after snow pummeled the NYC and tri-state area.

The subway is expected to run on a normal schedule — however on Monday morning there were delays on a number of lines including the 4, 5, 6, 7 and Q and W trains. The F and R trains were experiencing "severe" delays.

NJ Transit was suspended on Sunday. It said it would resume at "the start of service day Monday." As of this post on Monday, light rail operations have resumed but up to 15 minute delays were expected. It will also operate on a weekend schedule and said customers should "expect delays and possible select train cancellations."

Meanwhile, NYC public schools were closed but class was still on. NYC Mayor Mamdani announced on Sunday that classes would be remote.

Rebecca Rauber, a 28-year-old Kansas elementary school teacher, was found dead in the snow, 300 yards from where she was last seen. She is believed to have died from hypothermia during a massive winter storm. Her death is among at least 13 fatalities linked to Winter Storm Fern, which caused widespread power outages and travel disruptions.

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Students at New York City's largest charter school network will get a full day off to enjoy the snow.

Success Academy Charter Schools will be closed Monday for a traditional snow day amid Winter Storm Fern.

“We have been monitoring the weather forecast and have decided that all Success Academy schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, Monday, January 26,” the school administration said in communications sent to parents that were obtained by The Post. 

“Unlike the district schools, we will not have remote learning. Instead, we hope you make snow angels, have a snowball fight, build a snowman, or just have your kids cuddle up with a book while enjoying the winter wonderland from the window,” the text said, throwing shade on City Hall's decision to keep public school kids inside for remote learning. 

The message to parents comes as Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered that public school kids must attend remote classes on Monday instead of experiencing a traditional snow day free of classes.

Charter and private schools do not have to follow the public school calendar or New York City Public Schools’ closure policies for severe weather or emergencies.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani wasn’t too busy to stop and help New Yorkers shovel their cars out of the snow in Brooklyn and Queens on Sunday. 

Mamdani made several stops after a press briefing with New York City Emergency Management to help shovel snow in South Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Sunnyside, Astoria, Ditmars Steinway, and Triborough Bridge on Randalls Island, Dora Pekec, a senior spokesperson for the mayor, told The Post.

“As I have said, there is no task too big or no job too small. Happy to lend a hand and help out New Yorkers. Stay safe!” Mamdani said in a reply to a video on X of him digging a stuck van out of a pile of snow on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and some concerned users responded to the video of Hizzoner shoveling, asking him to wear more suitable attire for the winter blast. 

"Thanks for helping out our neighbors, but put on a hat!" Hochul wrote.

Former Olympic snowboarder Shaun White shredded the slopes of Central Park in Manhattan on Sunday in front of a crowd of bundled onlookers braving Winter Storm Fern.

White, 39, was ripping jump lines while wearing a mask in the bustling snow-blanketed park, according to photos and social media posts.

After others noticed that it was the three-time Olympic gold medalist in disguise, he took off his mask and snapped pictures with fans. 

White, who retired after the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, later posted a picture on Instagram of himself levitating on his snowboard above two smiling parkgoers.

Snow precipitation totals reached 8.8 inches in Central Park by Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Winter Storm Fern wreaked havoc across 34 states, leading to over 11,000 flight cancellations and leaving more than a million people without power. The storm also caused at least seven deaths, with winter warnings remaining in effect for Monday. Many areas are expecting heavy snow and ice, further disrupting travel and daily life.

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