Major Winter Storm Paralyzes Northeast with Blizzard Conditions and Travel Bans
A fierce winter storm has descended upon the Northeastern United States, unleashing heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions that have prompted widespread disruptions. From Maryland to Massachusetts, blizzard warnings are in effect, with officials urging residents to avoid travel as visibility drops to a quarter-mile or less in many areas.
Travel Bans and Emergency Declarations Enacted
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a ban on non-emergency travel from 9 p.m. ET Sunday through noon Monday, with similar restrictions planned in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. State of emergency declarations have been issued in New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and parts of New York, mobilizing readiness efforts across the region.
Air travel has been severely impacted, with over 3,500 flights canceled across the U.S. as of Sunday afternoon, according to FlightAware. Airports in New York City and Boston are experiencing widespread cancellations and delays. Even Broadway shows and food delivery services like DoorDash have been suspended due to the storm.
Heavy Snowfall and Potential Bomb Cyclone Threat
The National Weather Service forecasts 1 to 2 feet of snow in many areas, with rates reaching up to 2 inches per hour overnight. Meteorologists warn that the storm could meet the definition of a bomb cyclone, characterized by a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure. "This is definitely a major winter storm and a major impact for this part of the country," said Cody Snell of the Weather Prediction Center.
Bryce Williams, a meteorologist in Boston, expressed concern about the combination of heavy, wet snow and strong wind gusts, which could lead to damaged trees and prolonged power outages. The weather service has labeled the event a "Potentially Historic/Destructive Storm" southeast of the Boston-Providence corridor.
School Closures and Community Preparations
In New York City, Mayor Mamdani canceled in-person and virtual classes for Monday, declaring it the "first old-school snow day since 2019." He encouraged children to stay cozy and safe. City officials have recruited workers to shovel snow and are conducting outreach to bring homeless individuals into shelters and warming centers.
Businesses like Berrington Snow Management on Long Island are preparing for extensive snow-clearing operations. Owner John Berlingieri anticipates at least a week of around-the-clock work to clear millions of square feet of asphalt. "We're going to work 24 to 36 hours straight, sleep for a few hours and then go back," he said.
To the south, landmarks such as Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., have announced closures for Monday. The storm is expected to taper off by Monday afternoon, but its impacts will likely linger as communities work to recover from the blizzard conditions.
