Weather officials say conditions will worsen across much of the northeastern United States between Sunday and Monday as the storm continues to move through the region. Reuters
A powerful winter storm swept across the northeastern United States Sunday night, placing nearly 59 million people under weather alerts and forcing major travel shutdowns. Officials declared states of emergency across several states as heavy snow, strong winds and coastal flooding created dangerous conditions.
Authorities expect the storm to rank among the strongest nor’easters in nearly a decade.
Millions Under Weather Warnings
Meteorologists warned that snow would intensify from Sunday evening into Monday across much of the northeastern U.S. and parts of Atlantic Canada. Blizzard warnings cover about 40 million people, while another 19 million remain under winter storm warnings stretching from North Carolina to coastal Maine.
By midnight Monday, several areas had already recorded significant snowfall. Manorville, New York and Howell, New Jersey reported around 10 inches (25 cm). Forecasters said snowfall rates could reach two to three inches (5–7 cm) per hour in some regions. Total snowfall may climb between one and two feet (30–60 cm), with some isolated areas seeing even higher totals.
Officials warned that travel could become “nearly impossible” and described road conditions as “extremely treacherous.”
Power Outages and Travel Chaos
The storm knocked out electricity to more than 150,000 homes and businesses across the region. New Jersey alone reported about 60,000 outages. Virginia, Delaware and Maryland also saw tens of thousands lose power.
Air travel faced major disruption. Roughly 5,500 flights were cancelled Sunday, and hundreds more experienced delays as snow and wind intensified.
In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani imposed a full travel ban beginning Sunday evening. Schools closed, and authorities shut streets, highways and bridges to all non-emergency vehicles. Officials expect snowfall totals in the city to reach between 18 and 24 inches (50–60 cm), with temperatures dropping to about -6°C.
“This will be something the likes of which we've not seen in years,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “People will be in the dark. Long Island and New York City and lower Hudson are literally in the direct eye of the storm.”
The city last experienced a blizzard warning nine years ago.
States Declare Emergencies
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey and Rhode Island all declared states of emergency. Governors activated National Guard units and halted public transit services in some areas.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill called it potentially “the worst storm we have seen since 1996” and urged residents to stay off the roads.
In Rhode Island, Governor Dan McKee issued a statewide travel ban and closed government offices. “We're asking Rhode Islanders to take this storm seriously and stay home,” he said.
Connecticut officials stopped commercial vehicles from travelling on highways until further notice.
Pennsylvania also declared a disaster emergency to ensure state agencies could respond quickly.
Public Events Cancelled
The storm forced cancellations of Broadway performances in New York City. Sporting events and horse races were also called off. Businesses across affected states closed early as snow intensified.
School districts near Washington, D.C., announced closures, although the capital region expects less severe impacts.
Storm Extends to Atlantic Canada
Forecasters say Nova Scotia’s eastern coast could see significant impacts beginning Monday morning. Officials issued an amber weather warning, cautioning residents about possible power outages, roof damage and falling debris.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the storm moves through the region
