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NYC Blizzard Intensifies: State of Emergency Declared

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ard-intensifies-state-of-emergency-declared.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 5:21 GMT by The Independent
      Locales: New York, New Jersey, UNITED STATES

New York City, NY - February 23rd, 2026 - A ferocious blizzard continues to batter New York City and surrounding areas, escalating from a significant snowstorm into a full-blown crisis. Initial warnings have proven accurate, with snowfall rates exceeding predictions and strong winds creating whiteout conditions. The travel ban, initially implemented in the Bronx and Staten Island, has now been expanded citywide, and New York Governor Eleanor Vance has declared a state of emergency.

The National Weather Service reports that snowfall is currently exceeding 3 inches per hour in many locations, with sustained wind gusts reaching 60-65 mph. This combination has created blizzard conditions - visibility near zero, drifting snow, and dangerous wind chills. The storm, dubbed 'Winter's Fury' by local media, is projected to continue throughout the day, potentially dumping upwards of 24 inches of snow across the five boroughs and even higher accumulations in northern Westchester and Long Island.

The expansion of the travel ban to encompass all of New York City means that all non-emergency vehicles are prohibited from roadways. This includes personal cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services. The ban is strictly enforced by the NYPD and the National Guard, who are assisting with snow removal and emergency response. Exceptions are being made for emergency vehicles, essential personnel (healthcare workers, utility crews), and authorized public transportation.

School closures have expanded beyond New York City to include all public and private schools in a 100-mile radius, impacting millions of students. Universities and colleges have also suspended classes, with many announcing plans to continue remote learning for the remainder of the week. The Department of Education has stated that snow days will be added to the calendar to make up for lost instructional time.

Transportation has been severely impacted. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has suspended all subway service due to snow accumulation on the tracks and signal failures. Bus service is also completely halted. LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark airports have all suspended flights, with hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of passengers stranded. The Port Authority is working to provide shelter and assistance to those affected by the travel disruptions.

Beyond transportation and education, the storm is impacting daily life across the city. Many businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and offices, have closed for the day. Grocery stores remain open, but are experiencing long lines and depleted stocks as residents stock up on essential supplies. Delivery services are overwhelmed and unable to fulfill orders in many areas.

Con Edison is reporting localized power outages due to downed power lines and overloaded systems. Crews are working to restore power, but the strong winds and heavy snow are hampering their efforts. Residents are urged to conserve energy and report any outages immediately. The city has opened several warming centers to provide shelter for those without heat.

"This is a dangerous storm, and we urge all New Yorkers to stay indoors and off the roads," Governor Vance stated in a press conference earlier today. "Our priority is to ensure the safety of our residents. We are coordinating closely with all relevant agencies to respond to this crisis and provide support to those in need."

The long-term impact of the blizzard remains to be seen. City officials are bracing for potential flooding as the snow melts and are preparing for a massive cleanup operation. The cost of the storm is expected to be significant, and it will likely take several days for the city to fully recover. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local news and weather reports for updates and to heed all official warnings and instructions.