News Desk (MNN); A powerful blizzard dumped more than a foot (30 centimetres) of snow across parts of the U.S. Northeast on Monday, bringing travel to a near standstill for millions as roads closed, train services were suspended, and around 5,700 flights were canceled.
Thousands of homes and businesses lost power, prompting officials, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, to order residents to stay indoors so emergency crews could clear the streets. Many schools across the region remained closed.
By 8 a.m. Eastern Time, over 15 inches (38 centimetres) of snow had fallen on Central Park in New York City, with another 5–6 inches (13–15 centimetres) expected before the storm eases in the late afternoon, according to meteorologist Bob Oravec of the National Weather Service. Winds were strong enough to create snowdrifts several feet high.
Oravec described the storm as a “pretty big blizzard” with wind gusts of 40–60 mph (64–100 kph) from Delaware to New York City to Boston. Boston had received about 6 inches, while much of Delaware and southern New England had seen 12–18 inches. Philadelphia recorded a foot of snow.
Residents in hard-hit areas, including Long Island, struggled with snowdrifts blocking doors and windows. Sandra Wu, a 53-year-old veterinarian, said the storm reminded her of the 1990s storms in Buffalo, New York, and that her children were excited to have a snow day off from school.
At least seven states had declared states of emergency. Airlines canceled more than 5,700 flights and delayed 900 more, primarily at airports in New York, Boston, and New Jersey. Governor Kathy Hochul deployed 100 National Guard members to assist in Long Island, New York City, and the lower Hudson Valley.
The storm prompted closures including the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan. Up to two feet of snow and wind gusts of 70 mph were possible in parts of the Northeast, increasing risks of power outages and fallen trees.
Emergency management agencies continued operations despite funding challenges, while state officials in Massachusetts and Connecticut implemented restrictions and advised residents to stay home. Public transport in New Jersey and Rhode Island was suspended, and some cruise ships, like those docked in New York Harbour, were delayed.
Residents made the best of the situation, with some enjoying indoor activities and entertainment while waiting for the storm to pass.
