STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A significant snowstorm took aim at Staten Island on Thursday, affecting the morning commute and making a mess of borough roads.

Mayor Bill de Blasio closed public schools; many private ones weren't open either.

And while it wasn't as bad as the 10 to 14 inches of snow that the National Weather Service had predicted, the storm was intense during the morning hours.

Here's a look at how it unfolded on Staten Island:

6 INCHES: In Dongan Hills at 2:50 p.m.

2:55 p.m. -- Snow tally: 6 inches

The snow has just about stopped falling on Staten Island, and our unofficial measurement recorded 6 inches in Dongan Hills at 2:50 p.m.

That's a far cry from the 10-14 inches that was forecast for our area, though their remains a 40 percent chance of snow until 5 p.m. or so.

Measurements may vary from community to community.

It is currently 27 degrees on the borough, according to the National Weather Service.

2:45 p.m. -- Mayor: "I like what I'm seeing so far"

During his stop on Staten Island, Mayor Bill de Blasio said he was pleased with the plowing efforts here.

"I like what I'm seeing so far," de Blasio said of street conditions, while having lunch at Lee's Tavern in Dongan Hills with Borough President James Oddo.

Oddo, de Blasio and Councilman Steven Matteo each cited visible blacktop on most of the borough's main roads, including Hylan Boulevard.

But the mayor stressed that, while the storm appears to be winding down, it's important for borough residents to stay off the street as much as possible so Sanitation could continue its effort.

"The best thing you can do for Staten Island is to stay off the roads for the rest of the day, so we can really get them clear," he said.

-- Reported by Eddie D'Anna

2:21 p.m. -- Snow could end soon

When will Niko finally be over?

According to AccuWeather, the snow should stop falling around 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

However, earlier reports from AccuWeather initially indicated that the storm would end around 1:30 p.m.

2:15 p.m. -- Ferry on modified schedule for p.m. rush

The Staten Island Ferry will operate on a modified schedule during Thursday afternoon's rush hour, with service approximately every 20 minutes, according to the DOT.

1:57 p.m. -- FDNY: Snow made battling fire harder

The snowstorm made battling Thursday's fatal fire in Port Richmond more difficult, according to FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro.

Officials said a man was killed and his brother was in critical condition after a fire at 1028 Post Ave. left 14 others injured, including two firefighters.

-- Reported by Anna Sanders

1:45 p.m. -- Garbage, recycling collection suspended

Garbage, recycling and organics collection are suspended until further notice so that the Department of Sanitation can focus on snow removal.

1:29 p.m. -- Stay off the roads, Cuomo warns

Echoing a similar statement Mayor Bill de Blasio made earlier in the day, Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned residents to stay off the roads.

"Don't underestimate the potential danger," he said. "If you go out there not only do you endanger yourself, but you endanger others."

-- Reported by Rachel Shapiro

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Borough President James Oddo walk along Hylan Boulevard in Ocean Breeze, speaking with Sanitation workers.

1:05 p.m. -- Mayor visits Staten Island

Mayor Bill de Blasio visited Staten Island on Thursday afternoon to check on road conditions.

The mayor, Borough President James Oddo, Councilman Steven Matteo and DSNY Commissioner Kathryn Garcia met on Hylan Boulevard and Seaview Avenue in Ocean Breeze Boulevard and spoke with Sanitation workers about the snow removal operation.

The group said that it was pleased with how the streets looked, especially the main thoroughfares like Hylan.

The four plan to lunch together on Staten Island.

-- Reported by Eddie D'Anna

1:03 p.m. -- Watch out for wind gusts

New York City is experiencing intermittent wind gusts in excess of 40 mph, according to the city's emergency notification system. Winds that high can cause power outages or flying debris, the city said. The city urges resident to use caution while walking or driving.

12:54 p.m. -- #SILive: Tag us in your snow photos

If you are going to head outside once the snow ends, make sure to tag #SILive in whatever photos you take.

Above is a great shot from @dawnrussell10.

12:40 p.m. -- Snow to end soon?

The end of Winter Storm Niko may be in sight.

According to AccuWeather, the snow is expected to end around 1:30 p.m.

12:27 p.m. -- Ferry on regular schedule

The Staten Island Ferry is operating on a regular, 30 minute schedule.

Please be advised that the ferry may operate on a modified schedule this evening. We are closely monitoring weather conditions and will provide an update for customers in a few hours.

6 INCHES: Dongan Hill, 12:15 p.m.

12:15 p.m. -- Snow tally: 6 inches

An Advance tally in Dongan Hills measured just under six inches at 12:15 p.m.

The snow continues to fall, but at this moment not as intense as times earlier in the day.

It is currently 29 degrees on Staten Island, according to the National Weather Service.

12:08 p.m. -- More bus detours

S42 and S52 buses are detoured, due to inclement weather conditions, according to MTA.info.

Detours are as follows:

S42: Service in both directions will operate via Richmond Terrace, Jersey Street, Brighton Avenue and temporary stand at Brighton Avenue/Lafayette Avenue.

S52: Service in both directions will operate via Richmond Terrace, Jersey Street, and regular route after Jersey Street/Crescent Street.

Allow additional travel time.

11:55 a.m. -- Mayor: Stay off streets!

Mayor Bill de Blasio urged New York City residents to stay off the roads if possible Thursday during a press briefing on the storm.

"We need the people to get off the streets," de Blasio said at Office of Emergency Management headquarters. "I can't emphasize this enough: don't drive your car today. We need you off the streets."

Staten Island has a total 61 salt spreaders, 28 haulsters, 215 big plows, 32 front-end loaders, seven skid-steers and four snow melters available, according to the Sanitation Department's borough snow plan for this year.

-- Reported by Anna Sanders

11:07 a.m. -- No snow day for this pol

Count City Councilman Steven Matteo among those not afforded the luxury of a snow day on Thursday.

The Mid-Island Republican has been driving throughout his district, monitoring the conditions of roads and posting photos of his findings on Twitter.

"I'm out and about in my district and I see plows all around," Matteo said in an email to the Advance. "Main roads are pretty good. Obviously it's still snowing, so conditions are dangerous but they are definitely out and about doing a good job."

Matteo said he has been in contact with the Sanitation commissioner since early Thursday morning.

Here are some of Matteo's posts:

5 INCHES: Dongan Hills, 10:55 a.m.

10:57 a.m. -- Snow tally: 5 inches

An Advance tally in Dongan Hills at 10:55 a.m. recorded five inches of snow.

It is currently 28 degrees on Staten Island, according to the National Weather Service.

10:49 a.m. -- Niko, from a commuter's perspective

What began as freezing rain at around 4 a.m. turned into snowfall around 6, leaving commuters to battle the storm dubbed Niko as they made their way into work.

Advance multimedia specialist Anthony DePrimo caught up with them on the roads. Here is a video look of their experience:

10:20 a.m. -- Drivers are getting stranded out there

Plows are on the streets but it's snowing pretty heavy on Staten Island at the moment and many roads are getting tough to navigate.

According to Channel 7, there have been 11 buses stranded on Staten Island due to the weather on Thursday.

The messy roadways include Hylan Boulevard and even the Staten Island Expressway, where one motorist recently posted on social media to say he was stuck in the snow and awaiting a tow truck.

"Note to all Charger owners: Rear-wheel drive is not the best thing for the snow," the driver said as he sat at the side of the highway.

"I'm waiting for the tow truck to come. Roads are horrible. I thought that [the expressway] would be the best way to get into the office after getting stuck for about 45 minutes on local roads."

Some residents are already expressing displeasure with the city's snow removal efforts.

"I live about one block from Staten Island University Hospital (Ocean Breeze)," said Kevin Fair of Dongan Hills. "Just saw my first plow at 9:46 a.m. and no salt spreader. ...This is the worst job of snow removal all time."

-- Reported by Tracey Porpora

10:15 a.m. -- This is how it's done

Clearing snow with an actual shovel -- no bueno.

Using a snowblower: Definitely better.

But for this guy at the Grymes Hill Apartments, clearing snow is a breeze:

10:11 a.m. -- What is 'thundersnow?'

It's kind of self explanatory -- but it sure has an awesome name.

Wondering what that rumbling you are hearing Thursday is? It's probably "thundersnow."

The Advance's Diane Lore explains the condition, including when and why it occurs.

10:02 a.m. -- Hylan traffic crawling at 15 mph

Traffic along Hylan Boulevard on the East Shore was light Thursday morning, with just a sprinkling of cars along the roadway from Oakwood to Grasmere.

The roadway was passable, but still covered with snow as traffic crawled along at 15-20 mph in most spots.

Most bagel shops and gas stations were open, but foot traffic seemed light.

-- Reported by Ken Paulsen

9:53 a.m. -- Latest snow forecast: 10-14 inches

In its most recent winter storm warning, issued at 9:15 a.m., the National Weather Service is continuing to call for 10-14 inches of snow for our area.

The warning remains in place until 6 p.m.

In its latest forecast, the NWS says we will continue to get snow, heavy at times, until at least 1 p.m. It is not forecasting snow for Thursday night.

4 INCHES: Dongan Hills, 9:40 a.m.

9:42 a.m. -- Snow tally: 4 inches

An Advance tally in Dongan Hills recorded four inches of snow at 9:40 a.m.

It is currently 29 degrees on Staten Island, according to the National Weather Service.

9:30 a.m. -- Speed restrictions on P.A. bridges

The Port Authority has issued 25-mph speed restrictions on the Outerbridge Crossing and the Goethals Bridge, the agency announced on Twitter.

9:24 a.m. -- Heavy snow, thunder approaching

Moments ago, the National Weather Service issued the following special weather statement for our area:

"At 9:14 a.m. EST, widespread heavy snow combined with north winds of 20 to 30 mph will reduce visibilities making any outdoor activities hazardous. Maximum hourly snowfall rates will range from 1 to just over 3 inches, causing snow to rapidly accumulate as temperatures fall through the 20s. Isolated rumbles of thunder will accompany the heavy snowfall rates."

-- Reported by Frank Donnelly

9:21 a.m. -- Evening small claims court closed

Evening Small Claims Court on Staten Island has been closed Thursday due to the snowstorm, according to the state court website.

All other courts on Staten Island and the rest of the city remain open until further notice.

-- Reported by Frank Donnelly

9:08 a.m. -- 'It's a ghost town'

Advance political reporter Rachel Shapiro was out along Forest Avenue in Mariners Harbor a short time ago assessing the conditions.

"It was a ghost town," she said. "No one on the roads in my neighborhood."

Watch her Facebook Live from the roads below:

Snow day Posted by Rachel O'Brien Shapiro on Thursday, February 9, 2017

9:02 a.m. -- Schools decision made 'carefully'

Mayor Bill de Blasio urged New Yorkers to stay indoors if possible and let plows clear the roads, warning of some heavy snowfall rates on Thursday.

"We were hearing snowfall of one to two inches and hour, and three to four inches an hour as the storm intensified," he said during an interview with NY1.

Thursday marked the seventh time in five years that the city's public school system has been closed for snow.

"We try to make these decisions very carefully," he said.

-- Reported by Diane Lore

8:57 a.m. -- Video: From the ferry

Here is video of Staten Island Ferry commuters during the snowstorm:

8:45 a.m. -- Deteriorating road conditions

Deteriorating road conditions are being reported across Staten Island, as several inches of snow has already piled up and strong winds are causing "white out" conditions. Sanitation Department plows have been dispatched.

3 INCHES: Dongan Hills, 8:25 a.m.

8:29 a.m. -- 3 inches in Dongan Hills

Snow continues to pick up in intensity, with several inches on the streets and sidewalks across the borough and "white out" conditions hampering visibility.

An unofficial measurement in Dongan Hills at 8:25 a.m. recorded three inches.

-- Reported by Eddie D'Anna

8:22 a.m. -- Sanit plows hit the street

There are 2,300 Sanitation Department plows and salt spreaders out as of 8 a.m., the agency said on Twitter.

The department is asking for motorists to yield the right of way on roads to snow-clearing vehicles so "we can keep you safe."

"I would discourage anyone from driving today -- the conditions are very dangerous," Sanit Commissioner Kathryn Garcia said on NBC.

Spreaders & plows out across city. Snowfall of 2 - 3 " per hour will present challenge.. Please give plows right of way.. Stay safe, NY. — NYC Sanitation (@NYCSanitation) February 9, 2017

7:51 a.m. -- Join us on Facebook Live

Advance reporter Shane DiMaio is on Facebook Live right now giving you a first-hand look at what roads are like on Staten Island right now.

If you don't see the live stream below, click https://www.facebook.com/statenislandadvance/videos/10154146894811746/

BE CAREFUL‼️Snow leads to dangerous driving conditions in Bulls Head ❄️ Posted by Staten Island Advance on Thursday, February 9, 2017

7:45 a.m. -- Bayonne Bridge work canceled

Planned construction on the Bayonne Bridge is canceled due to adverse weather conditions, the Port Authority announced on Twitter.

-- Reported by Maura Grunlund

1/2 INCHES: Westerleigh, 7:30 a.m.

7:30 a.m. -- 1 1/2 inches of snow

An unofficial measurement on Coale Avenue in Westerleigh recorded one and a half inches of snow at 7:30 a.m. It is currently 30 degrees on Staten Island, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds continue to pick up in force on our borough, hampering visibility.

-- Reported by James Yates

7:25 a.m. -- Front Street closed

Officials have closed Front Street at Edgewater Street in Stapleton due to icy conditions.



An MTA Police vehicle with its sirens on and several traffic cones are blocking it off.

-- Reported by Jan Somma-Hammel

7:22 a.m. -- Fire in Port Richmond

The FDNY is battling a two-alarm fire at 1028 Post Ave. in Port Richmond, the Fire Department announced on Twitter.

More than 100 firefighters are on the scene and sirens can be heard throughout the North Shore.

-- Reported by Maura Grunlund

7:13 a.m. -- Several bus detours announced

The S42, S66 and S93 buses are detoured due to inclement weather, according to MTA.info.

The detours are as follows:

S42: First/last stop will be made at Brighton Ave./Lafayette Ave. No service will operate along Lafayette Ave., Prospect Ave., Clyde Place, Arnold St. or Franklin Ave.

S66: Buses will bypass the Grymes Hill area. No service along Highland Ave., Arlo, Howard Ave, Clove Road. Buses will remain straight along Victory Blvd. between Highland Ave. and Clove Road.

S93: Service will begin and end at the main gate of the College of Staten Island. No service on the internal roadways of CSI due to closure of College.

Earlier Thursday, the MTA warned about delays to all buses running on Staten Island. Meanwhile, the Staten Island Ferry is operating on a modified schedule and there is a speed restriction in place on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

NOT FUN: Commuter Nadia waits for a bus on Bay Street in Stapleton.

7:03 a.m. -- 'This is not fun'

Not everyone has a snow day on Thursday.

While Mayor Bill de Blasio gave public school students a reprieve, and most private schools are closed as well, many of us adults still have, well, adult things to do -- which means getting ourselves to work.

Once such commuter, Nadia, was bundled up in a jacket and scarf as she endured the increasing snow and winds while she waited for a bus on Bay Street in Stapleton to get to Brooklyn.

"This is not fun," Nadia said. We believe her.

-- Reported by Jan Somma-Hammel

6:49 a.m. -- Ferry delays; bridge speed restrictions

Folks, the commute has officially become a messy one.

The Staten Island Ferry will be operating on a modified rush hour schedule with service approximately every 20 minutes due to "very low visibility in the harbor and a mechanical issue at slip 1 in Whitehall," the DOT posted on Facebook.

A little while ago, the MTA warned about weather-related delays to all buses -- both local and express -- running on the borough.

Meanwhile, speed restrictions have been put in place on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

Be safe out there, everyone.

-- Reported by Maura Grunlund

1 INCH: Dongan Hills, 6:40 a.m.

6:40 a.m. -- Conditions are worsening; 1 inch recorded

The wintry mix of rain and sleet that greeted us when we woke Thursday morning has just about left us.



It is now snowing across Staten Island.

And it is starting to come down with an increased intensity, as well.

In Dongan Hills, we measured just under an inch of snow on streets and sidewalks. The temperature on Staten Island is now 31 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.



Winds are picking up across the borough as well, decreasing visibility on the roadways.

-- Reported by Eddie D'Anna

and Anthony DePrimo

6:14 a.m. -- Bus delays reported across the borough

All Staten Island local, limited, select and express buses are running with delays "due to inclement weather conditions," according to MTA.info.

If you weren't planning to already, commuters are advised to allow for additional travel time.

-- Reported by Maura Grunlund

WESTERLEIGH: A thin layer of snow is on the ground at Kingsley Avenue and New York Place.

6:08 a.m. -- Layer of snow in Westerleigh

Snow and wind are picking up in Westerleigh.

There is a thin layer of snow already covering streets and cars in that community.

-- Reported by Thomas Checchi

6:01 a.m. -- Latest forecast: 10-14 inches

In its updated winter storm warning, issued at 5:34 a.m., the National Weather Service is sticking to its forecast of 10-14 inches of snow for the Staten Island area. In about an hour, all freezing rain is expected to turn over to snow.

Temperatures will fall into the 20s on Thursday, it says.

TEMPS DROPPING: Forest Avenue and South Avenue in Mariners Harbor.

5:43 a.m. -- Temperatures dropping

It was 60-plus degrees on Wednesday. Temperatures have plummeted since and continue to do so.

It was 36 degrees on Staten Island when we began our live coverage a little more than an hour ago -- too warm for snow.

Now it's registering 32 degrees. Accordingly, in most parts of the borough, freezing rain is turning to snow.

That's now the case in Mariners Harbor, where Sanitation salt spreaders are out on South Avenue and Forest Avenue. Winds are starting to pick up.

-- Reported by Jan Somma-Hammel

DRIVE WITH CAUTION: There is a slight coating of snow and ice on Tioga Street and Clove Road in Sunnyside.

5:29 a.m. -- Roads getting slippery on North Shore

West Brighton is experiencing mostly freezing rain at this time, and roads in the area are starting to get slippery.

There is a slight coating of snow and ice around Clove Lakes Park.

Wind is not really a factor at this time.

It is currently 32 degrees on Staten Island, according to the National Weather Service.

-- Reported by Jan Somma-Hammel.

5:15 a.m. -- Commuter report: Not bad yet

A bus lane closure is causing delays for express buses that head through the Lincoln Tunnel, but beyond that, public transportation looks OK at this time. Again, it's early.

The Department of Transportation is "closely monitoring" conditions, but has advised Staten Island Ferry riders to allow extra travel time.

-- Reported by Maura Grunlund

READY TO ROLL: Sanit plow on Hylan Boulevard and Tysens Lane in New Dorp.

5:03 a.m. -- Plows at the ready; snow falling in New Dorp

Rain and freezing rain have changed over to snow, Advance multimedia specialist Anthony DePrimo reports from New Dorp.

Visibility is good and snow has not begun sticking to streets yet.

Sanitation salt trucks are parked along Hylan Boulevard and Tysens Lane, and traffic is light.

Not many commuters are out yet.

Plows are ready, but you know the drill -- they won't hit the streets until two inches of snow fall.

Snow is falling. DSNY salt spreaders have been out since a little after 3am. Plows ready to go when snow hits 2 inches. — Steven Matteo (@StevenMatteo) February 9, 2017

4:57 a.m. -- School closings

So, if you haven't been near a TV, the Internet or social media in the last 10 hours or so, Mayor Bill de Blasio ordered the city's public school's closed on Thursday.

Many private schools won't be opening as well -- including Staten Island's three colleges.

-- Reported by Diane Lore

4:38 a.m. -- Snow total increased again

In its 4 a.m. update, the National Weather Service increased the snow total it is predicting for our area -- yet again.

The NWS is now calling for 10 to 14 inches for Staten Island. That estimate is up from Wednesday's forecast. Will it hold true? The day will tell.

-- Reported by Maura Grunlund

4:30 a.m. -- Good morning. No snow on streets. Yet.

It's 36 degrees on Staten Island right now, according to the National Weather Service -- a little too warm for snow. But borough residents who set their alarm this early to get a jump on the storm the experts have dubbed Niko woke to find a combination of rain, freezing rain and snow -- but none of it sticking to streets.

It won't last, forecasters predict.

After 5 a.m., snow is expected to become more prominent in that wintry mix. Then after 7 a.m. -- the crux of the morning commute -- the precipitation is expected to turn to all snow.

Stay with the storm team at SILive.com throughout the day for the latest forecasts, conditions on the borough and how Staten Islanders are coping with whatever Niko does send our way.