New York is finally headed for some warmer weather after a long, icy winter. Early 2026 brought the city its snowiest season in the last decade, with Central Park recording more than 42 inches of snow. 1 With temperatures remaining consistently below freezing for weeks on end, the snow just kept piling up.
As I watched the roofs of surrounding buildings collect inches upon inches of heavy snowfall, I couldn’t help but think about the inevitable insurance claims that will follow.
While a blanket of snow may be cozy for a day or two, prolonged accumulation presents serious risks to property owners. Flat roofs and older structures, which abound in the city, are particularly vulnerable to excessive snow load. When snow compacts and absorbs moisture, it becomes heavier, increasing the risk of structural stress, sagging, and even collapse. Prolonged weight and moisture can compromise roofing systems and weaken structural components, leading to problems that surface later.
Another significant risk following prolonged snow accumulation is ice damming. Ice dams form when heat escaping from a building causes rooftop snow to melt. As the water flows downward, it refreezes at the colder edges of the roof, creating a ridge of ice that blocks proper drainage. Over time, additional melting snow backs up behind that ridge, forcing water beneath shingles and roofing membranes.
The result can be extensive interior damage: soaked insulation, stained ceilings, warped flooring, compromised drywall, and even mold growth. Unlike a sudden collapse, ice dam damage often develops gradually and may not become apparent until the thaw is underway.
Rapid warming can accelerate these issues, overwhelming gutters and drainage systems already stressed by weeks of freezing temperatures. What appears to be minor water intrusion can quickly snowball (pun intended) into a substantial property loss.
For property owners, now is the time to be proactive. As warmer weather sets in, it’s a good idea to:
- Inspect your roof for visible sagging, cracks, damaged shingles, or ice ridges along rooflines.
- Check ceilings and walls for water stains or bubbling paint.
- Examine gutters and downspouts for separation or blockages.
- Review your insurance policy carefully to see if and how it provides coverage for snow- and ice-related losses.
It’s important to remember that not all snow and ice losses are handled the same under insurance policies. While sudden and accidental collapse due to the weight of snow may be covered, insurers may scrutinize claims involving long-term maintenance issues or pre-existing conditions. Claims involving water intrusion from ice dams can also raise questions about maintenance, insulation, and ventilation, with insurers looking for a reason to deny these costly claims.
After a winter of historic snowfall, disputes between property owners and insurers are inevitable. The key is understanding your policy, acting promptly when damage is discovered, and documenting everything thoroughly.
As New York and the rest of the northeast thaws out, the true impact of this record-setting winter is only beginning to surface. The attorneys at Merlin Law Group have years of experience successfully contesting ice dam denials and other snow and ice related losses, and stand ready to help policyholders navigate the claims process if and when disputes arise. After a winter like this, the only surprise any of us wants is an early spring.
1 Yas, Vivien. “When Was NYC’s Snowiest Winter? This Year’s Isn’t Even Close.” NBC New York, 24 Feb. 2026, www.nbcnewyork.com/weather/nyc-snow-record-winter-totals/6468568/.