NYC under blizzard warning as potentially historic nor’easter expected in Northeast

A significant and potentially historic nor’easter is set to intensify rapidly as it gathers strength offshore near Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia on Sunday. This weather event is expected to have major and possibly extreme impacts on millions of people along the I-95 corridor.

Over 50 million Americans are on high alert for winter storm conditions starting later on Sunday and continuing into Monday. Blizzard warnings cover more than 35 million people from Cape Charles, Virginia, to Dover, Delaware, up to the I-95 corridor from Philadelphia to Boston, with snowfall predictions exceeding a foot and strong winds likely causing blizzard conditions. Entire states such as Delaware, New Jersey, and Rhode Island are included in the warning.

Winter storm warnings are in effect for parts of central Virginia and Maryland, east-central Pennsylvania, southern New York, northern Connecticut, west-central Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, Vermont, and southern Maine, with increased confidence in significant snowfall amounts ranging from 6 inches to over a foot. Gusty winds are also expected to create blowing snow and whiteout conditions in these areas.

Major cities like Baltimore, Harrisburg, Scranton, Albany, Hartford, Concord, and Portland are likely to be affected by these harsh weather conditions. New York City and Philadelphia are under a blizzard warning, with snowfall projections between 16 and 20 inches and wind gusts reaching 55+ mph, causing whiteout conditions and making travel extremely challenging.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City mentioned on social media that “The snow is back, but New York is ready.” More than 6,700 flights have been canceled for Sunday and Monday, with over half of the flights at John F. Kennedy and Laguardia airports already affected by the storm. Airports in Newark, Boston, Philadelphia, Reagan, and Baltimore are also experiencing significant cancellations, with 70% to 80% of Monday’s flights in New York and Boston already canceled.

Coastal flood alerts are in place from coastal Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia to the Jersey Shore, as well as from Long Island to the coast of southern and eastern New England, for potential minor to moderate coastal flooding during high tide.

This anticipated winter storm is expected to have far-reaching impacts across the northeastern United States, affecting travel, daily activities, and safety. It is crucial for residents in these areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this severe weather event.