New York City and several northeastern US states are bracing for the strongest nor’easter in nearly a decade, with heavy snow, fierce winds, flight cancellations, power outages, and strict travel bans in place.
Massive Nor’easter Disrupts Northeast US, Millions Affected by Snow, Wind and Flooding (Source: Instagram)
NYC Weather Forecast Snow Storm: A strong and historic winter storm has started impacting the northeastern part of the United States, putting close to 59 million people under weather warnings. The storm has already caused widespread power failures, massive disruptions in travel, and a full travel ban in New York City.
Multiple states, such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, have declared states of emergency as the storm continues to intensify. Various regions have also started enforcing travel restrictions or bans to minimize danger during the storm.
Weather experts have indicated that the storm will impact the US Northeast and the Canadian Maritimes from Sunday evening to Monday, with conditions expected to remain hazardous for an extended period.
According to experts, the system is the strongest nor’easter in nearly a decade, with heavy snowfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding. Some 40 million people are under a blizzard warning, while another 19 million are under winter storm warnings, from the Central Appalachians to coastal Maine.
"While we do get plenty of these nor'easters that produce heavy snow and strong impacts, it's been several years since we saw one of this magnitude across this large of a region in this very populated part of the country," Cody Snell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center, said in an interview with CBS News.
Power outages are rising quickly. Some 20,000 people are without power in New Jersey, while thousands more are left in the dark in Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland, as per PowerOutage.us.
Air travel has been severely impacted, with approximately 3,900 flights canceled on Sunday alone, and many more flights delayed, as per FlightAware.
The National Weather Service issued a warning that the rate of snowfall could reach 2 to 3 inches in an hour, with a total snowfall of 1 to 2 feet, making travel conditions “nearly impossible.” Additionally, road conditions were termed “extremely treacherous.”
Snow began falling Sunday evening in major cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, and New York City, where the harshest conditions are expected.
For the first time in nine years, New York City has been placed under a blizzard warning. Forecasts predict 18 to 24 inches of snow in the metro area, with temperatures dropping to around 20°F (-6°C).
A complete travel ban is in effect in New York City from 9:00 pm Sunday to 12:00 pm Monday. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that schools are closed and that all streets, highways, and bridges will remain shut except for emergency services.
During a press conference, Mamdani said snowfall could reach up to 28 inches in some areas and declared a state of emergency. This is the second major storm during his tenure, following a deadly January cold spell that claimed 19 lives.
Officials warned that coastal wind gusts of 65 to 70 mph could down trees and power lines. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide emergency and activated around 100 National Guard members.
"This will be something the likes of which we've not seen in years," she said. "People will be in the dark. Long Island and New York City and lower Hudson are literally in the direct eye of the storm."
Due to the storm, all Broadway shows scheduled for Sunday evening were cancelled, and the New York Racing Association scrapped horse races at Aqueduct Racetrack.
The worst conditions are expected along the coast, with New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island forecast to take the hardest hit.
In Rhode Island, Governor Dan McKee imposed a statewide travel ban, closed government offices on Monday, and approved the use of the National Guard if necessary.
"We're asking Rhode Islanders to take this storm seriously and stay home," McKee said. "This is an all-hands-on-deck response. Our state agencies have the resources and manpower they need to respond and keep Rhode Islanders safe."
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency and suspended all public transit services, including buses and rail, starting Sunday evening. She warned the storm could be “the worst we have seen since 1996” and urged residents to avoid travel.
In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont signed an emergency order banning commercial vehicles from state highways beginning Sunday evening. The order will remain in effect until further notice.
