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Northeast US Braces for Crippling Nor'easter

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ortheast-us-braces-for-crippling-nor-easter.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 18:13 GMT by UPI
      Locales: New York, New Jersey, UNITED STATES

NEW YORK, February 22nd, 2026 - A ferocious nor'easter has descended upon the Northeastern United States, unleashing blizzard conditions and crippling the region. States of emergency are in effect from Maine to Maryland as heavy snowfall, hurricane-force winds, and near-zero visibility bring travel to a standstill and threaten widespread power outages. The storm, which began impacting the area Sunday morning, is predicted to persist well into Monday, potentially making this one of the most significant winter events in recent years.

At the heart of the storm's fury are New York and New Jersey, where snowfall totals are already exceeding expectations. Current projections indicate accumulations of 12 to 24 inches, with localized areas potentially receiving upwards of 30 inches. The National Weather Service reports snowfall rates peaking at 1-3 inches per hour, dramatically reducing visibility and making travel exceptionally hazardous. Winds are gusting up to 70 mph in coastal areas, creating blizzard-like conditions with blowing and drifting snow.

Governors in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut have all declared states of emergency, activating emergency response teams and allocating resources to assist impacted communities. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York issued a stern warning, stating, "This is a dangerous storm. Please take it seriously." Her administration has mobilized snow removal equipment and is working closely with utility companies to prepare for anticipated power outages. Similar preparations are underway in New Jersey, where officials have urged residents to shelter in place and avoid all unnecessary travel.

The impact on transportation has been substantial. Major airports throughout the Northeast, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport, are experiencing widespread flight cancellations and delays. Hundreds of flights have been grounded, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. Road conditions are treacherous, with numerous highways and roadways closed due to heavy snow and drifting snow. State police are reporting numerous accidents and urging motorists to stay off the roads entirely.

Beyond the immediate travel disruptions, concerns are mounting over the potential for prolonged power outages. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds is placing immense stress on the power grid, and utility companies are bracing for widespread disruptions. Crews are on standby to respond to outages, but restoration efforts may be hampered by the ongoing blizzard conditions. Residents are advised to have emergency supplies on hand, including flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and water.

While the immediate focus is on safety and emergency response, the economic impact of the storm is already becoming apparent. Businesses have been forced to close, impacting retail sales and productivity. The cost of snow removal and infrastructure repairs is expected to be significant. Furthermore, the storm is disrupting supply chains, potentially leading to shortages of essential goods.

This nor'easter is a stark reminder of the power of winter storms and the importance of preparedness. Meteorologists attribute the intensity of the storm to a combination of factors, including a potent jet stream and a clash between cold Arctic air and warm, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean. As climate change continues to alter weather patterns, experts suggest that the Northeast may experience more frequent and intense winter storms in the future. Residents are urged to heed warnings from local authorities and prioritize their safety during this dangerous weather event. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as the storm progresses. Preliminary reports indicate some coastal flooding is also occurring due to the combination of high winds and storm surge.

Looking ahead, the National Weather Service anticipates a gradual weakening of the storm on Monday, but lingering snow showers and strong winds are expected to continue throughout the day. Full recovery from the storm's impacts could take several days, as crews work to clear roads, restore power, and assess the extent of the damage.