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Historic Blizzard Cripples Northeast US

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/23/historic-blizzard-cripples-northeast-us.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 21:29 GMT by WFXT
      Locales: Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 24, 2026 - The Northeast United States is currently grappling with the aftermath of a historic blizzard that swept through the region, leaving a trail of canceled flights, widespread power outages, and significant economic disruption. What began as a predicted major snowstorm quickly escalated into a full-blown blizzard, exceeding initial forecasts and impacting millions of residents across multiple states.

As of this morning, over 6,000 flights have been canceled across major airports including Boston Logan International, New York's JFK and LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a ground stop for all flights in and out of the hardest-hit areas, citing near-zero visibility and dangerously icy runways. Passengers are stranded, airlines are scrambling to rebook travelers, and the economic impact on air travel is already estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Several major airlines, including Delta, United, and American, have proactively waived change fees and are offering refunds for affected passengers.

Beyond the air travel chaos, roadways throughout the Northeast are treacherous. State police departments in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have reported numerous accidents and road closures due to heavy snowfall and black ice. Interstate 95, a vital artery for the East Coast, has been intermittently shut down in several sections, effectively halting ground transportation. Authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, warning of life-threatening conditions. The National Guard has been mobilized in multiple states to assist with rescue operations and snow removal efforts.

The blizzard isn't just a travel nightmare; it's also causing significant power outages. Over 1.5 million homes and businesses are currently without electricity, with the hardest-hit areas being coastal Massachusetts and parts of upstate New York. Utility companies are working around the clock to restore power, but officials warn that it could take several days to fully reconnect all customers due to downed power lines and extensive damage to the grid. Warming shelters have been opened across the region to provide a safe haven for those without heat. The Red Cross is actively distributing blankets, food, and water to affected communities.

Economic Fallout and Long-Term Concerns

The economic impact of this blizzard is expected to be substantial. Beyond the immediate disruption to travel and commerce, businesses have been forced to close, schools have been canceled, and supply chains have been interrupted. Experts predict the total economic cost could exceed $2 billion, factoring in lost productivity, damage to infrastructure, and cleanup expenses. The impact on the tourism industry, particularly in popular ski resort areas, is also significant.

However, the blizzard also highlights the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events. Experts are increasingly pointing to climate change as a contributing factor to the intensity and frequency of these storms. While blizzards are a natural part of the Northeast's winter, the increasing intensity and unpredictability are raising concerns about the region's preparedness and infrastructure. This event is likely to reignite the debate about investing in more resilient infrastructure, including upgrading power grids, strengthening transportation networks, and improving emergency response capabilities.

Looking Ahead

The storm is now slowly moving offshore, but the recovery process is just beginning. Cleanup crews are facing a monumental task in removing the massive amounts of snow and ice from roads, sidewalks, and public spaces. Officials are urging residents to exercise caution when venturing outdoors and to be mindful of potential hazards such as falling ice and downed power lines. The focus is now shifting to restoring power, clearing roadways, and providing assistance to those most affected by the blizzard. The long-term economic and societal impact of this historic storm will continue to be felt for weeks, and potentially months, to come.