A powerful winter storm has placed 54 million people under blizzard warnings across the US Northeast. New York City issued a full travel ban as the nor’easter approaches, prompting states of emergency in multiple states including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
What Makes This Nor’easter So Historic?
This storm ranks as the most powerful nor’easter in nearly a decade for the densely populated Northeast. Forecasters expect heavy snow, fierce winds up to 70 mph, and coastal flooding from the Central Appalachians to coastal Maine. The storm’s low center develops late Sunday afternoon into evening. About 35 million face blizzard warnings, while 19 million more sit under winter storm warnings.
Meteorologist Cody Snell from the National Weather Service called it rare. He noted to CBS News that few storms match this magnitude across such a vast, populated region in recent years.
Why Did NYC Issue a Travel Ban?
New York City expects 18-24 inches of snow in the metro area, with up to 28 inches in spots and temperatures plunging to the 20s F. Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a state of emergency. He announced schools closed and a travel ban from 9 p.m. EST Sunday to noon EST Monday. Only emergency vehicles can use streets, highways, and bridges.
This marks the first NYC blizzard warning in nine years. Mamdani highlighted overnight snowfall as the worst phase. It follows January’s deadly cold snap that killed 19 people.
Which States Declared Emergencies?
Governors acted swiftly across the region. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a statewide emergency and activated 100 National Guard members. She warned Long Island, NYC, and the lower Hudson Valley face the storm’s eye, predicting power outages and darkness.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill issued an emergency and halted transit at 6 p.m. ET for buses, light rail, and Access Link. She called it potentially the worst since 1996. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont banned commercial vehicles on highways from 5 p.m. ET. Massachusetts, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania followed with declarations or disaster orders. Boston closed schools too.
How Bad Are Travel Disruptions?
More than 3,500 US flights stand cancelled for Sunday, with hundreds delayed, per FlightAware. New Jersey transit shuts down fully. Connecticut blocks trucks statewide. Canadian Maritimes, especially Nova Scotia’s east coast, face orange weather warnings from Monday into Tuesday.
Officials urge staying home amid downed trees, outages, and coastal threats.
| Storm Impacts by Area | Details |
|---|---|
| NYC Metro | 18-24 inches snow; full travel ban 9pm Sun-12pm Mon |
| New York State | National Guard activated; 65-70 mph coastal gusts |
| New Jersey | Transit halt 6pm ET; “worst since 1996” |
| Connecticut | Commercial vehicle ban 5pm ET |
| Total Affected | 54M under warnings; 3,500+ flights cancelled |
FAQs
Q: How much snow hits NYC?
A: 18-24 inches expected, up to 28 in some areas.
Q: When does NYC’s travel ban start?
A: 9 p.m. EST Sunday to noon EST Monday; emergencies only.
Q: Which states declared emergencies?
A: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania.
Q: How many flights got cancelled?
A: Over 3,500 for Sunday.
Q: Does Canada face impacts?
A: Yes, Nova Scotia under orange warnings Monday-Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
