New York authorities ordered drivers off the roads and shut schools as a powerful snowstorm swept across the northeastern United States, threatening treacherous travel, widespread power outages and coastal flooding.
Tens of millions of people from Washington, D.C. to Maine are in the storm’s path, with forecasts warning that some areas could see up to two feet (60 centimetres) of snow. The National Weather Service said blizzard conditions were expected to “quickly materialise” from Maryland through southeastern New England.
Early this morning, light snow and “freezing fog” were recorded in New York, with temperatures dipping to 30°F (-1°C). Forecasters warned that snowfall could intensify to rates of two to three inches per hour at the height of the storm, placing nearly 54 million people at risk.
Visibility deteriorated rapidly as the storm moved in, with Wall Street skyscrapers barely visible from Brooklyn by daybreak.
In New York, home to more than eight million residents, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced sweeping restrictions, including the closure of streets, highways and bridges.
“New York City has not faced a storm of this scale in the last decade,” Mamdani said while declaring a state of emergency. “We are asking New Yorkers to avoid all nonessential travel.”
The travel ban exempts essential workers and emergency-related trips.
Air travel was also severely disrupted, with more than 5,000 flights cancelled nationwide, according to flight-tracking company FlightAware.
Forecasters warned that heavy snow combined with strong winds could knock out electricity across the region. nearly 80,000 customers in New Jersey were already without power, according to outage-tracking site poweroutage.us.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency to free up funds and accelerate the deployment of emergency resources.
In Massachusetts, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu ordered all public schools and municipal buildings closed.
“We ask everyone to plan ahead, stay safe and warm, and stay off the roads to help our public works and public safety efforts,” Wu said.
Some residents expressed frustration as workplaces remained open despite the travel shutdowns. Brandon Smith, a 33-year-old Brooklyn resident, said commuting would be difficult for many.
“It’s gonna be difficult for most New Yorkers to get around because we still have to go to work,” he said. “It’s unfortunate roads are suspended as jobs are not gonna stop calling us in.”
Tourists, however, were captivated by the rare spectacle. Macarena Gonzalez, visiting from Chile, said she underestimated the storm’s intensity.
“I’m happy, it’s a great experience,” she said while exploring Times Square amid falling snow.
The National Weather Service warned that high winds, heavy snowfall and low visibility would create “dangerous to impossible travel” conditions, with gusts reaching up to 60 miles (100 kilometres) per hour. Coastal flooding is also possible from Delaware to Cape Cod.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to prepare immediately.
“The worst is yet to come,” Hochul said at a briefing. “Whatever you need—groceries, medicines, pet food—do it right now. Then just settle in.”
She added with a lighter note: “Watch some more Olympics, read a book, catch up on the news, and call your family members—especially your moms.”
