Tens of millions of Americans from Washington, D.C., to Maine are preparing for heavy snowfall, with some areas expecting up to two feet (60 centimeters) of snow, as a major winter storm sweeps across the Northeast.
Early Monday, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported light snow and “freezing fog” in New York, with temperatures dipping to 30°F (-1°C). Officials warned that blizzard conditions would soon extend from Maryland to southeastern New England, making travel “extremely treacherous.” Snowfall could reach two to three inches per hour at the storm’s peak, affecting nearly 54 million people.
Visibility was already reduced in New York, with Wall Street skyscrapers barely visible from Brooklyn. Strong winds and heavy snow prompted widespread power outages, leaving nearly 80,000 customers without electricity in New Jersey just after 1:30 a.m. local time, according to poweroutage.us.
Air travel was also heavily impacted, with more than 5,000 flights cancelled, FlightAware data showed.
In New York City, home to over eight million residents, Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a shutdown of streets, highways, and bridges from 9:00 p.m. Sunday until noon Monday, citing the severity of the storm. “New York City has not faced a storm of this scale in the last decade,” he said, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel. Essential workers and emergency situations are exempt from the restrictions.
Some residents expressed frustration over workplace obligations. Brandon Smith, 33, of Brooklyn, said, “It’s gonna be difficult for most New Yorkers to get around because we still have to go to work. It’s unfortunate (roads) are suspended as jobs are not gonna stop calling us in.”
Tourists, however, were thrilled by their first snowfall experiences. Chilean visitor Macarena Gonzalez said, “I’m happy, it’s a great experience,” while exploring Times Square on Sunday.
The NWS warned of dangerous to impossible travel due to heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility. Gusts of up to 60 miles (100 kilometers) per hour were expected late Sunday into Monday, and moderate to major coastal flooding could affect waterfront areas from Delaware to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency on Sunday, enabling rapid deployment of resources. In Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu closed all public schools and municipal buildings on Monday, advising residents to stay off the roads to support public safety efforts.
The storm follows weeks after the region endured another severe winter system linked to over 100 deaths. New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned residents, “The worst is yet to come,” urging them to stock up on essentials and remain indoors. “Just settle in. Watch some more Olympics, read a book, catch up on the news, call your family members, call your moms especially your moms,” she said.
Authorities continue to monitor the storm closely as the Northeast braces for a potentially historic winter event.