New York Blizzard: Historic Snowstorm Paralyzes Northeast US
Monday, February 23, 2026 – A historic blizzard is currently impacting over 40 million people across the Northeastern United States, stretching from Maryland to Maine. The storm has already brought New York City to a near standstill, with record-breaking snowfall and dangerous conditions.
City Under Siege
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned on Sunday that the city hasn’t experienced a storm of this magnitude in over a decade. As of 5:28 AM local time on Monday (10:28 GMT), Long Island was already covered in over 38 cm (15 inches) of snow, and the snowfall continues to be heavy. According to the city’s weather services, Manhattan and Brooklyn were covered with between 23 and 28 cm (9-11 inches) of snow by 7:23 GMT.
Travel Ban and Emergency Declarations
A travel ban is in effect for all non-essential vehicles on New York City streets, highways, and bridges until 5:00 PM GMT. Emergency services are urging residents to stay warm and safe. Governors in seven states – Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island – have declared states of emergency, with travel restrictions already in place since Sunday afternoon. Public transportation, including rail service, has been suspended in New Jersey.
Widespread Power Outages
As of early Monday, over 280,000 homes and businesses across the Northeast were without power, according to PowerOutage.us. New Jersey accounts for approximately 110,000 outages, while Delaware has over 67,000. The National Weather Service is also warning of potential flooding in parts of New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
Severe Conditions and Flight Cancellations
The forecast calls for up to 60 cm (24 inches) of snow, with gusting winds reaching 80 km/h (50 mph). Early Monday morning, the skyscrapers of Wall Street were barely visible from Brooklyn due to the intense snowfall. This is the second major winter storm Mayor Mamdani has faced since taking office in early January. A severe cold snap in late January resulted in at least 18 deaths in the city, with over 100 fatalities reported nationwide.
Concerns and Reactions
New York Governor Kathy Hochul cautioned that “the worst is yet to come,” urging residents to stay “comfortably” at home. Some residents expressed concerns about the impact on those unable to work remotely. “And what about parents who have to go to work? That’s unfair,” said Brooklyn resident Brandon Smith. However, some tourists, like Macarena Gonzalez from Chile, were delighted by the spectacle. “I knew it was going to snow a little, but I didn’t think it would be this much. But I’m happy, it’s a beautiful experience.”
United Nations and Boston Impact
The United Nations headquarters in Manhattan will be closed on Monday, with all scheduled meetings postponed. In Boston, where up to 60 cm of snow is expected, schools are closed, and Mayor Michelle Wu warned of a “historically significant” storm. Over 8,700 flights have been cancelled since Sunday, with New York airports being the most affected, followed by Boston, Newark, and Philadelphia. FlightAware predicts over 1,300 additional flight cancellations for Tuesday due to the ongoing weather conditions.
Stay informed and heed the warnings of local authorities. Your safety is paramount.
