Blizzard Warnings And Travel Shutdowns Trap Millions At Home In Northeastern U.S.
A massive snowstorm hit the northeast United States on Monday, trapping millions of people in their homes amid blizzard warnings, transportation shutdowns, and school and business closures. The storm arrived after an earlier snowfall had melted away, leaving gray mountainous piles in parking lots and along roads. Emergencies were declared from Delaware to Massachusetts, and power failures affected hundreds of thousands of people.
The National Weather Service warned of continued perilous conditions due to heavy snowfall and strong winds. The storm was classified as a bomb cyclone/nor’easter, dropping at least 24 millibars in pressure in 24 hours.
New York City and Boston canceled public school classes, while Philadelphia switched to online learning. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared it the “first old-school snow day since 2019.” Public transit halted in some areas, and power outages affected over 500,000 customers along the East Coast.
More than 5,000 flights were canceled in and out of the United States, with New York, New Jersey, and Boston being the most affected. Storm-related power outages caused disruptions in several states, and utility crews worked to restore power amid strong winds. Landmarks and cultural institutions closed, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Broadway shows.
Shovelers were recruited for major snow clearing efforts in New York City, with plans for round-the-clock work to clear snow from parking lots and industrial parks. The storm was expected to taper off by Monday afternoon, but concerns about prolonged power outages and damaged trees persisted.
Overall, the storm brought significant challenges to the northeast, with residents and officials working together to navigate the aftermath and ensure safety and recovery.
