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Historic Blizzard Cripples Mid-Atlantic Region

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. toric-blizzard-cripples-mid-atlantic-region.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 8:41 GMT by CBS News
      Locales: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, UNITED STATES

PHILADELPHIA, PA - February 23rd, 2026 - A historic blizzard has brought travel to a standstill and plunged hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses into darkness across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The storm, characterized by intense snowfall, hurricane-force winds, and near-zero visibility, prompted states of emergency and widespread travel bans as of yesterday evening, and the impacts continue to escalate this Monday.

Governors Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Phil Murphy of New Jersey, and John Carney of Delaware all declared states of emergency, enacting travel restrictions for non-essential personnel. Governor Shapiro, in a statement released Sunday, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "This is a dangerous, life-threatening storm." Similar warnings were issued by Governor Carney, urging residents to heed the advice of local and state authorities.

The storm began intensifying Saturday night, with snowfall rates reaching 1-2 inches per hour in localized areas, as reported by CBS News Philadelphia's Olivia Sanchez. This rapid accumulation, combined with sustained winds exceeding 50 mph in some regions, quickly created blizzard conditions - defined by reduced visibility to 1/4 mile or less for three hours or more - rendering travel extremely hazardous.

Widespread Power Outages & Infrastructure Strain

The weight of the heavy, wet snow, coupled with the fierce winds, has taken a significant toll on the region's power infrastructure. As of Monday afternoon, over 125,000 customers were reported without power, stretching the resources of utility companies. Crews are facing immense challenges in accessing downed power lines due to the ongoing storm conditions and treacherous roadways. Preliminary reports suggest significant damage to power poles and transmission lines, indicating the restoration process could take several days, even after the snow stops falling.

Beyond power outages, the storm is impacting other critical infrastructure. Several water main breaks have been reported in Philadelphia and surrounding areas due to the freezing temperatures and ground saturation. Officials are advising residents to conserve water to avoid further complications.

Transportation Network Crippled

The transportation network across the tri-state area is effectively crippled. All major highways, including I-95, I-76 (the Pennsylvania Turnpike), and the New Jersey Turnpike, are experiencing significant closures and hazardous conditions. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has repeatedly urged citizens to stay off the roads unless facing a life-threatening emergency. Numerous secondary roads remain impassable, effectively isolating some communities.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) remains closed, with all flights canceled through Tuesday morning. Amtrak has also suspended service along the Northeast Corridor, affecting rail travel between Boston and Washington D.C. Local public transportation systems, including buses and subways, are operating on reduced schedules or have been suspended altogether.

Beyond the Immediate Impacts: Preparing for the Aftermath

The National Weather Service (NWS) maintains the blizzard warning until 6:00 PM EST Monday. Snowfall totals are projected to exceed 24 inches in many areas, with some locations potentially receiving over 30 inches. While the heaviest snowfall is expected to taper off tonight, the impacts will linger well into Tuesday.

Authorities are bracing for icy road conditions as temperatures fluctuate, potentially creating black ice. Continued power outages are also a major concern, especially for vulnerable populations. Emergency shelters have been opened across the region, providing warmth and resources for those without power or safe housing. Local and state governments are coordinating efforts to deliver essential supplies - including food, water, and medical assistance - to affected communities.

This blizzard is now being compared to the "Storm of the Century" in 1996, highlighting its severity and potential long-term consequences. Experts are also studying the storm's characteristics to better understand the potential impacts of climate change on winter weather patterns in the region. The coming days will be critical as the Mid-Atlantic begins the slow process of recovery from this historic and devastating blizzard.