A powerful winter storm barreled across the northeastern United States on Monday, blanketing cities from Maryland to Maine in heavy snow, unleashing hurricane-force wind gusts and bringing daily life to a standstill.
Forecasters described the system as the most intense to strike the region in nearly a decade. In some metropolitan areas, snowfall topped 2 feet (60 centimeters), breaking long-standing records, crippling transportation networks and prompting emergency declarations across multiple states. The storm was so disruptive that the United Nations postponed a scheduled Security Council meeting in New York.
The National Weather Service labeled the system a “classic bomb cyclone/nor’easter” that rapidly intensified off the Northeast coast. A bomb cyclone forms when atmospheric pressure drops sharply within 24 hours, typically when frigid Arctic air collides with warmer, moisture-laden air — a wintertime setup that can supercharge coastal storms.
EXTREME BLIZZARD CONDITIONS are blasting Plymouth, MA as of 6:00 AM Monday. Wind gusts up to 65 MPH currently… pic.twitter.com/ngGZP2HByr
— Jaden Pappenheim (@PappenheimWx) February 23, 2026
By late Monday, the snow was tapering off in some southern areas as the system pushed north. However, forecasters warned that another storm could track toward the region later this week, potentially delivering additional snowfall.
Cities Paralyzed, Residents Dig Out
In New York City, officials closed public schools for the first traditional snow day in six years. Streets in Lower Manhattan, usually choked with rush-hour traffic, were largely empty, with snow shovelers outnumbering office workers.
“It’s very quiet, except for the howling winds,” said Luis Valez, a concierge near Wall Street, as he cleared a sidewalk. Only a handful of residents ventured out for essentials, he said.
Matthew Wojtkowiak, 57, shoveled outside his Brooklyn home, calling the snowfall manageable but demanding. “I’m from the Midwest, so this is in the zone,” he said, adding that his family had sleds ready once the digging was done.
Tourists Karen Smith and Adele Bawden, visiting from the United Kingdom, reveled in the rare sight of snow-covered avenues. The pair said they danced in the middle of Times Square during what would normally be a busy morning commute.
Ingrid Devita strapped on skis to patrol the Lower East Side, helping neighbors who slipped on icy streets. “People fall in the snow and they can’t get up,” she said.
Central Park recorded 19 inches (48 centimeters) of snow. In Warwick, Rhode Island, totals surpassed 3 feet (91 centimeters), among the highest in the nation. The strongest wind gust — 83 mph (133 kph) — was recorded in Nantucket, with hurricane-force gusts reported across Cape Cod.
Flights Canceled, Transit Disrupted
Air travel was severely affected. More than 5,600 flights within, into or out of the United States were canceled Monday, with another 2,000 scrapped for Tuesday, according to FlightAware. Nearly 2,500 flights were delayed. Airports in New York, New Jersey and Boston accounted for the bulk of disruptions.
Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport temporarily suspended all operations after receiving 32.8 inches (83.3 centimeters) of snow, surpassing a record set in 1978.
Public transit systems struggled to maintain service. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said most New York City subway lines were running by Monday evening after earlier suspensions, though service remained halted on Staten Island’s rail line. Aboveground routes were expected to face lingering delays, and commuter rail service to northern and eastern suburbs planned only limited runs for Tuesday morning. Bus riders were warned to anticipate extended wait times.
Delivery services were also affected, with DoorDash suspending overnight operations in New York City.
Power Outages and Emergency Declarations
Heavy, wet snow combined with fierce winds created hazardous conditions, toppling trees and downing power lines. More than 450,000 utility customers nationwide were without electricity Monday evening, according to PowerOutage.us.
New York, Philadelphia and several states declared emergencies. Outreach workers in New York City fanned out to encourage homeless residents to seek shelter and warming centers.
Cultural institutions and landmarks closed their doors, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Arlington National Cemetery in Washington. Broadway performances scheduled for Sunday evening were canceled.
School districts across the region shuttered classrooms. New York City and Boston canceled in-person instruction Monday, while Philadelphia shifted to online learning. Several suburban districts on Long Island announced closures for a second consecutive day.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said city schools would reopen Tuesday, urging students to “stay cozy” for the remainder of the snow day. His decision drew criticism from officials on Staten Island, where roads and sidewalks remained buried. The United Federation of Teachers advised members to prioritize safety when deciding whether to report to work.
