Winter Storm Triggers Travel Bans, Flight Cancellations Across Northeastern US

New York City and New Jersey imposed travel restrictions, airlines canceled thousands of flights, and even Broadway shows were called off Sunday as a powerful winter storm swept into the Northeastern United States, prompting widespread blizzard warnings from Maryland to Massachusetts.

Snow began falling across New Jersey and New York as the system moved north. The National Weather Service warned that many areas could receive 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) of snow, accompanied by strong winds and near-whiteout conditions, with visibility expected to drop to a quarter-mile (400 meters) or less. Authorities urged residents to stay off the roads.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had a major nor’easter of this magnitude,” said Cody Snell of the Weather Prediction Center. “This is a significant winter storm with major impacts across the region.”

Blizzard warnings were issued for New York City, Long Island, Boston, and coastal communities across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. States including New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts declared emergencies as officials mobilized response efforts.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a ban on non-emergency travel from 9 p.m. Sunday through noon Monday. Similar restrictions were introduced in parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Regional airports reported widespread cancellations, while DoorDash temporarily suspended overnight deliveries in New York City.

Further south, sites such as Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., announced closures ahead of the storm.

Heaviest Snow Expected Overnight

Forecasters said snowfall would intensify overnight Sunday into Monday, with rates reaching up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) per hour in some areas before tapering by Monday afternoon.

Meteorologists warned that powerful wind gusts combined with heavy, wet snow could cause extensive damage and prolonged power outages, particularly southeast of the Boston-Providence corridor.

“Winds like that, combined with heavy snow, are a recipe for damaged trees and power disruptions,” said Bryce Williams of the National Weather Service’s Boston office.

The storm was also expected to meet the criteria of a “bomb cyclone,” a rapid pressure drop of at least 24 millibars within 24 hours, according to meteorologist Frank Pereira.

Schools Closed, Crews Prepare for Cleanup

Mayor Mamdani declared Monday a snow day for New York City schools — the city’s “first old-school snow day since 2019” — urging children to “stay cozy.”

City agencies activated snow response plans, deploying plows and recruiting workers to shovel sidewalks. Outreach teams also worked to move homeless residents into shelters and warming centers.

By Sunday afternoon, more than 3,500 flights had been canceled nationwide, with thousands of delays reported, according to FlightAware. Airports in New York and Boston saw significant disruptions.

Businesses across the region prepared for extensive snow removal. On Long Island, snow management companies readied equipment for continuous operations.

“I’m anticipating at least a week of round-the-clock work,” said John Berlingieri of Berrington Snow Management. “We’ll work long shifts, rest briefly, and head right back out.”