Why is the New York City Columbus Day Parade canceled?

On Columbus Day in New York City, the streets would normally be packed with revelers celebrating the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. Not this year.

Late Sunday, the Columbus Citizens Foundation, which organizes the annual parade through Manhattan, announced the event had been canceled after New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency due to the severe weather battering the state.

State of emergency sees Columbus Day parade canceled

“Due to the ongoing nor’easter, I’m declaring a State of Emergency for NYC, Long Island and Westchester,” Hochul wrote in a post on X on Sunday. “We’re ready to assist local partners as damaging winds and heavy rain move in, with the potential for flooding and power outages.”

The Columbus Citizens Foundation said the “dangerous weather” left organizers with no choice but to cancel the parade “for the safety of all participants and viewers.”

Will the NYC Columbus Day parade be rescheduled?

The group confirmed that the parade would not be rescheduled but expressed hope that normal celebrations would return for the 82nd edition in 2026.

Heavy rain and strong winds batter the Northeast

New York City is expected to receive between half an inch and one inch of rain into Monday afternoon, while eastern Connecticut and Long Island could see one to two inches.

The city was already being hit by winds reaching 50 mph early Monday, with forecasters warning of possible flooding and power outages throughout the day.

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