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Massive Winter Storm Shuts Down Tri-State Area

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 14:06 GMT by WPIX New York City, NY
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 - A massive winter storm has brought travel to a standstill and triggered widespread school closures across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut today, impacting the education of millions of students. The storm, dubbed "Winter's Fury" by meteorologists, dropped record-breaking snowfall totals across the tri-state area, coupled with dangerously high winds and near-blizzard conditions.

As of this evening, virtually every school district in the three states has announced closures for Monday, February 23rd. This includes all public and private schools, colleges, and universities within the affected counties. The comprehensive list of closures, confirmed by local authorities, demonstrates the severity of the weather event and the prioritization of student and staff safety.

A Region Shut Down

The impact extends far beyond the school system. Numerous businesses have closed, flights have been canceled or delayed at major airports like JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, and major roadways, including portions of the New York State Thruway and the Garden State Parkway, are either closed or impassable. State and local officials are urging residents to stay home and avoid all unnecessary travel.

The storm's intensity has exceeded initial forecasts, with some areas reporting over 36 inches of snowfall. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds has created dangerous conditions, including whiteouts and drifting snow, making even basic tasks like shoveling sidewalks incredibly challenging. Power outages are also becoming increasingly widespread, leaving thousands without heat or electricity.

Full County List of School Closures (as of 2026-02-22T19:05:18+0000)

New York: Albany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chittenango, Chenango, Cortland, Dutchess, Erie, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Kings, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Saratoga, Schoharie, Schuyler, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westchester, and Wyoming Counties.

New Jersey: Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren Counties.

Connecticut: Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Tolland Counties.

Beyond Immediate Safety: The Ripple Effects of Mass Closures

While school closures are a necessary precaution to protect students and staff, they also present significant challenges for families. Working parents must find alternative childcare arrangements, and many face lost wages due to time off work. School nutrition programs are disrupted, potentially impacting students who rely on school meals. Furthermore, the extended closure may necessitate adjustments to the academic calendar to ensure students meet required instructional hours.

Educational experts are also concerned about the potential learning loss associated with prolonged school closures. While remote learning options are being explored by some districts, access to technology and reliable internet connectivity remains a barrier for many students. The digital divide is particularly acute in rural and low-income communities.

Looking Ahead

The National Weather Service predicts that the storm will begin to weaken overnight, but hazardous conditions are expected to persist well into Monday. Crews are already working to clear roads and restore power, but the massive snowfall will require a sustained effort. School officials are monitoring the situation closely and will announce decisions regarding Tuesday's schedule as conditions improve. Residents are urged to stay informed by checking local news and weather updates, and to heed the advice of emergency officials.

This unprecedented storm serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. The widespread disruptions highlight the vulnerability of our infrastructure and the need for continued investment in winter weather resilience. The coming days will be crucial for recovery efforts and ensuring the safety and well-being of communities across the Northeast.