Washington, February 23: A severe snowstorm has struck the northeastern United States, leading to 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 described this as 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 experience snowfall rates of two to three inches per hour, with total accumulations reaching up to two feet in certain locations, making travel nearly impossible.
Snowstorm warnings have been issued for many areas, with the New York City weather department labeling it a “potentially historic snowstorm.” Travel restrictions in New York City were imposed from 9 PM on 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 New Yorkers to avoid all non-essential travel.” Schools in the city will also remain closed on Monday, marking the first traditional “snow day” since 2019.
Travel bans were also enacted in New Jersey starting at 9 PM, while Rhode Island residents were advised to stay off the roads after 7 PM. As the storm intensified, several states declared emergencies.
Air travel has been heavily impacted, with airlines canceling nearly 8,000 flights for Sunday and Monday, particularly affecting 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 department has termed it 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, while many schools have opted for closures or delayed openings.
The weather service has warned that strong coastal winds could lead to coastal flooding from Delaware to Cape Cod, with potential structural damage and widespread road inundation.
Approximately 54 million people across the central Appalachians 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 the northern New England region by Tuesday morning.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
