An unprecedented winter storm battered the U.S. East Coast on Monday local time, disrupting the lives of millions and triggering widespread flight cancellations. Meteorologists reported record-breaking snowfall in several regions, rendering travel “virtually impossible” in many areas.
Snow Accumulation and Impact
Massive snowfalls were recorded across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with totals reaching up to 37 inches (94 centimetres). Central Park in New York City saw 19 inches (48 centimetres) of snow. Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, experienced 36 inches of accumulation, marking the highest snowfall in the state’s recorded history. Previously, February 1978 held the record at 28.6 inches.
New York City Mayor Joharan Mahmoud declared a state of emergency as the National Weather Service warned that the city’s roads were largely impassable. Over 600,000 homes and businesses lost power, with New Jersey and Massachusetts hardest hit. The storm prompted winter weather alerts extending from North Carolina to northern Maine, and later into eastern Canada.
Travel Restrictions
Authorities imposed travel bans for non-essential movement in Rhode Island and neighbouring Connecticut. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey enacted restrictions on driving in the southeastern part of the state and set a maximum highway speed limit of 40 mph (64 km/h).
Air Travel Disruption
Flight monitoring site FlightAware reported over 5,700 flight cancellations from U.S. airports, particularly affecting New York and Boston international hubs.
| Airport | Cancelled Flights (%) | Average Daily Passengers | Snow Accumulation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaGuardia, New York | 98% | 120,000 | 15 |
| John F. Kennedy, New York | 91% | 215,000 | 15 |
| Logan, Boston | 92% | 100,000 | 15 |
| Newark Liberty, New Jersey | 92% | 80,000 | 12 |
| Philadelphia International | 80% | 75,000 | 10 |
The National Weather Service has forecast further snowfall on Monday, with some northeastern areas potentially receiving an additional 1–2 feet (approximately 61 centimetres) by Tuesday morning.
Meteorologists have described the storm as one of the most severe winter events in the region’s history, significantly affecting daily life, transportation, and emergency services. Authorities continue to urge residents to remain indoors and avoid all non-essential travel until conditions improve.
