East Coast Winter Storm: Travel Bans & State of Emergency Updates

A major winter storm is currently impacting the Northeast, bringing with it travel bans, state of emergencies, and widespread disruptions to transportation. The storm, expected to deliver up to two feet of snow and strong winds, is affecting over 90 million people across the region, with conditions expected to remain hazardous through Monday, February 23rd.

New York City has issued a travel ban from 9 p.m. Sunday to 12 noon Monday, closing streets, highways, and bridges to all but essential vehicles. Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a local state of emergency, emphasizing the severity of the situation. “This blizzard is serious,” Mamdani stated. “Stay inside.”

The impact extends far beyond New York City. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for more than 20 counties, activating the New York National Guard to assist with response and recovery efforts. Restrictions have been placed on commercial vehicle travel, with empty commercial vehicles and tandem tractor-trailers banned from I-84 and roads south of it, including the Thruway system. Other commercial vehicles are limited to the right lane on those same roadways.

Air travel has been significantly affected, with nearly half of all flights in and out of New York City’s three major airports – John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty – canceled. Approximately 3,500 flights within, into, or from the U.S. Were canceled as of 11 p.m. Sunday, according to FlightAware. Additional ground stops are possible as the storm intensifies.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency on Sunday and issued an emergency order prohibiting all commercial vehicles on limited access highways, with exceptions for emergency services. He urged all residents to avoid unnecessary travel, advising them to reach their destinations by Sunday evening and remain there throughout the storm.

Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer also declared a state of emergency, issuing a statewide driving warning urging increased caution. Stricter restrictions were implemented in Kent and Sussex counties, prohibiting non-essential vehicle operation.

Massachusetts is bracing for significant disruptions as well. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will operate subway trains and buses at reduced levels on Monday, mirroring Sunday’s schedule. Rail lines will also operate on storm schedules. All ferry services have been suspended for the day. Governor Maura Healey activated the National Guard and directed non-emergency executive branch employees to work from home, encouraging private employers to follow suit. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has imposed travel restrictions on certain types of trucks, with exemptions for those delivering essential goods like food, fuel, and medical supplies.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill urged residents to exercise caution and stay off the roads after declaring a state of emergency on Sunday. NJ Transit suspended bus, light rail, and Access Link services on Sunday evening, with rail service suspended at 9 p.m.. State police issued a travel restriction on most vehicles from 9 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday, with an exemption for the New Jersey Turnpike.

The National Weather Service warns that the storm could bring snowfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour, leading to “nearly impossible” travel conditions. The heaviest snow and blizzard conditions are expected to ease late on Monday as the storm moves offshore. The storm is being described as potentially historic, with forecasters anticipating record-breaking snowfall in parts of the region.

The Staten Island Ferry will also modify its schedule, operating with hourly service until 6 a.m. and then every 30 minutes after that.