A powerful winter storm battered the Northeastern United States from Sunday night into Monday, unleashing extreme snowfall and fierce winds that created life-threatening blizzard conditions. Several states were buried under more than two feet of snow as the system rapidly intensified into a bomb cyclone early Monday.
The storm strengthened at an extraordinary pace, producing hurricane-force wind gusts and intense snow bands. Governors and local leaders declared states of emergency, imposed travel bans and urged residents to remain indoors. Tens of millions of people were placed under blizzard warnings as communities across the region shut down.
Widespread Disruptions Across Major Cities
The historic storm triggered sweeping closures and service suspensions. Schools throughout the region canceled classes. Lawmakers in Washington postponed the week’s first voting sessions in both chambers of Congress. Major rail services were altered, public transportation systems were temporarily halted and even food delivery operations in New York City were suspended as conditions worsened.
By Monday evening, the storm began to weaken, but it left behind a vast corridor of deep snow and powerful wind damage. Forecasters are now monitoring another system expected to follow closely behind.
Staggering Snowfall Totals
Communities from the Mid-Atlantic to New England recorded extraordinary snowfall accumulations ranging from one to three feet. Providence, Rhode Island, reported the highest total at 37.9 inches. Whitman, Massachusetts, followed with 33.7 inches. Central Islip, New York, recorded 31 inches, while North Stonington, Connecticut, measured 30.8 inches. Lyndhurst, New Jersey, received 30.7 inches.
Records Shattered
The bomb cyclone etched its name into the record books. Providence experienced its largest snowstorm on record. In Newark, New Jersey, snowfall surpassed 27 inches by early afternoon Monday, making it the city’s second-heaviest snowstorm since records began in 1931. New York City recorded its snowiest winter season since 2020–2021. Philadelphia also saw its heaviest snowfall from a single storm since January 2016.
More Snow Possible
Another winter system is expected to move into the region soon after this storm. While it is forecast to be fast-moving and less intense, it could still bring light accumulations. Snow is expected to develop over the Great Lakes on Tuesday before reaching the Northeast late Tuesday night into Wednesday. Most areas are projected to receive less than two inches, though elevated regions in Pennsylvania, New York and New England may see slightly higher amounts.
Air Travel in Disarray
The massive storm severely disrupted air travel nationwide. More than 10,000 flights were canceled between Sunday and Tuesday. By Monday morning, nearly two-thirds of those cancellations were linked to the three major airports serving the New York City area LaGuardia, JFK and Newark Liberty International stranding thousands of passengers.
Power Outages Impact Hundreds of Thousands
Strong winds and heavy snow brought widespread power outages across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Early Monday morning, nearly 400,000 customers were without electricity. That number surged to 650,000 before gradually stabilizing later in the day. By early evening, more than half a million customers were still affected. Restoration efforts were slowed in many areas due to continuing blizzard conditions, complicating recovery operations.
