Northeast Blizzard: Millions Under Travel Bans as Winter Storm Hits
- Millions across the northeastern United States are under blizzard warnings and travel bans as a powerful winter storm brought heavy snowfall and high winds to the region on...
- New York City, at the center of the storm’s impact, implemented a travel ban for all non-essential travel beginning Sunday evening, February 22, 2026.
- Snowfall began Sunday as the storm moved northward, with the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasting accumulations of 30 to 60 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) in many areas,...
Millions across the northeastern United States are under blizzard warnings and travel bans as a powerful winter storm brought heavy snowfall and high winds to the region on Monday, . The storm, described as potentially historic, has disrupted transportation, closed schools, and prompted states of emergency across multiple jurisdictions.
New York City, at the center of the storm’s impact, implemented a travel ban for all non-essential travel beginning Sunday evening, . Alerts were sent to mobile phones across the city warning of “dangerous blizzard conditions.” Similar restrictions were put in place in Rhode Island and New Jersey. Regional airports experienced widespread cancellations and delays, and public transportation systems were suspended in some areas. Even delivery services like DoorDash halted operations in New York City overnight.
The blizzard warnings extended from Maryland to Maine. Snowfall began Sunday as the storm moved northward, with the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasting accumulations of 30 to 60 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) in many areas, accompanied by reduced visibility. Authorities across several states urged residents to remain at home.
States of emergency were declared in New York, Philadelphia, and numerous other cities, as well as across states ranging from Delaware to Massachusetts, as officials mobilized preparedness efforts. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the conditions as the “first old-fashioned snow day since 2019,” encouraging children to “stay warm.”
The storm’s potential intensity prompted concerns about a “bomb cyclone” – a meteorological phenomenon where a storm’s pressure drops at least 24 millibars within 24 hours. Meteorologist Frank Pereira indicated Sunday that the storm was expected to meet this definition, intensifying rapidly as it moved north.
The NWS predicted the heaviest snowfall would occur overnight Sunday into Monday, with accumulation rates potentially reaching 5 centimeters (2 inches) per hour in certain locations before diminishing by Monday afternoon. Public schools in New York City and Boston were closed for the day, while Philadelphia opted for remote learning.
Beyond transportation disruptions, the storm prompted closures of cultural institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Broadway performances were cancelled Sunday evening. Social workers were deployed to encourage individuals experiencing homelessness to seek shelter in warming centers and refuges.
The NWS warned of potential whiteout conditions due to strong winds and cautioned of a “potentially historic/devastating” storm along the Boston-Providence corridor. Meteorologist Bryce Williams highlighted the risk of tree damage and prolonged power outages due to the combination of heavy, wet snow and high winds.
New York City officials, in addition to snow removal operations, recruited residents to shovel snow, with some beginning work Sunday night to address the initial snowfall, according to Mayor Mamdani. The city is preparing for a significant snow removal effort.
Businesses are also preparing for a lengthy recovery. John Berlingieri, owner of Berrington Snow Management, cancelled a family trip to Puerto Rico to focus on clearing snow from commercial properties across Long Island. He anticipates at least a week of round-the-clock work, with crews operating in shifts to manage the extensive cleanup.
The scale of the storm is notable, with approximately 59 million people under weather warnings, according to reports. While nor’easters are common in the region, meteorologist Cody Snell of the NWS’s Weather Prediction Center noted that this storm’s magnitude and geographic reach across a densely populated area have been rare in recent years.
The storm’s impact extends beyond immediate disruptions, raising concerns about potential power outages and the logistical challenges of clearing snow from major metropolitan areas. The coming days will be critical for assessing the full extent of the damage and initiating recovery efforts.