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Historic Blizzard Paralyzes Northeast US

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. 22/historic-blizzard-paralyzes-northeast-us.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 15:10 GMT by Newsweek
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 22nd, 2026 - A crippling blizzard continues to paralyze the Northeastern United States, with New York City remaining under a strict travel ban as of this evening. What began as a forecast for significant snowfall has rapidly evolved into a historic weather event, exceeding initial predictions and prompting widespread disruption to daily life and emergency declarations across multiple states.

The travel ban, initially implemented Saturday evening, remains firmly in place, restricting movement to essential personnel and emergency vehicles only. City officials have repeatedly stressed the extreme danger posed by near-zero visibility and treacherous road conditions. Snowfall rates have consistently surpassed the forecasted 2-4 inches per hour, peaking at over 5 inches per hour in certain areas of the city and surrounding suburbs.

"This isn't just a heavy snowfall; it's a life-threatening situation," stated Mayor Patricia Henderson during a press conference earlier today. "The combination of intense snowfall, high winds, and plummeting temperatures creates conditions that are simply too dangerous for anyone to be on the roads. We are prioritizing the safety of our citizens and imploring everyone to shelter in place."

The National Weather Service has now upgraded its winter storm warning to a Blizzard Warning encompassing not only New York City but also large portions of New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Preliminary snowfall totals are already exceeding 24 inches in many locations, with some areas reporting over 30 inches. The storm's intensity is compounded by sustained winds gusting up to 60 mph, creating blizzard conditions characterized by blowing and drifting snow, severely limiting visibility, and presenting a significant hazard to anyone caught outdoors.

Beyond New York City, the impact of the storm is being felt acutely across the region. Major highways, including Interstate 95, have been closed in several states, effectively halting all non-essential travel. Airports throughout the Northeast are experiencing massive cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Amtrak has suspended service along the Northeast Corridor, and numerous commuter rail lines have also been shut down.

Emergency services are stretched thin, responding to a surge in calls for assistance. Reports of stranded vehicles, power outages, and weather-related medical emergencies are flooding in. Utility companies are working tirelessly to restore power to the hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses left in the dark, but the heavy snow and high winds are hampering their efforts. Concerns are growing about the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning as people attempt to heat their homes with alternative sources during power outages. Public health officials are urging residents to ensure they have working carbon monoxide detectors.

The economic impact of the blizzard is expected to be substantial. Businesses have been forced to close, schools have cancelled classes, and the disruption to transportation networks will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on supply chains and the regional economy. Early estimates suggest potential losses in the billions of dollars.

The city is coordinating with state and federal agencies to ensure adequate resources are available to respond to the crisis. The National Guard has been deployed to assist with snow removal, rescue operations, and provide support to overwhelmed emergency services. Shelters have been opened for those without adequate heating or shelter. Residents are encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbors and offer assistance where possible.

The gradual lifting of the travel ban will be contingent on significant progress in snow removal and road clearing. Officials have warned that it could be several days before conditions return to normal. The focus remains on ensuring public safety and mitigating the worst effects of this historic blizzard. Residents are urged to continue monitoring official sources for updates and heed all warnings and instructions.