Washington, February 23: A severe snowstorm has hit the northeastern United States, causing travel bans in several cities, school closures, and the cancellation of thousands of flights. Heavy snowfall and strong winds have been reported from Washington to Boston.
The National Weather Service has labeled this event a “major winter storm for the Northeast.” According to meteorologists, heavy snowfall is expected to continue in the northern Mid-Atlantic and northeastern regions until Monday. Some areas may receive two to three inches of snow per hour, with total accumulations reaching up to two feet in certain locations, making travel nearly impossible.
Snowstorm warnings have been issued across many areas. The weather department in New York City has termed it a “potentially historic snowstorm.”
Travel restrictions in New York City are in effect from 9 PM Sunday until Monday afternoon. Mayor Zohra Mamdani stated, “New York City has not faced a storm of this magnitude in the last ten years. We urge residents to avoid all non-essential travel.” Schools in the city will also remain closed on Monday, marking the first traditional “snow day” since 2019.
New Jersey has imposed travel restrictions starting at 9 PM, while Rhode Island has advised residents to stay off the roads after 7 PM. As the storm intensifies, several states have declared emergencies.
Air travel has also been significantly impacted. Reports indicate that airlines have canceled nearly 8,000 flights for Sunday and Monday, with the highest number of cancellations affecting flights to and from Boston and New York. Approximately half of the flights at New York’s LaGuardia and JFK airports were canceled on Sunday, with over 3,500 domestic and international flights grounded by Sunday afternoon.
In Boston and much of eastern Massachusetts, snowfall could reach two feet, with wind speeds potentially hitting 75 miles per hour. The Boston weather service has described this as a “potentially historic and destructive storm.”
Washington, D.C. is also expected to receive several inches of wet snow. Federal agencies have announced a two-hour delay in operations, and many schools have opted for closures or delayed openings.
The weather service has warned that strong coastal winds could lead to flooding from Delaware to Cape Cod. The flooding could be severe enough to cause structural damage and submerge roads.
Approximately 54 million people from Central Appalachia to coastal Maine are in the path of the storm, facing snowstorm warnings.
According to the weather department, the storm is expected to move out of northern New England by Tuesday morning.
