Between 30 and 61 cm of snow, strong winds, and possible power outages are expected, with the heaviest snowfall this Monday
An intense winter storm has been hammering the east coast of the United States since Sunday, with blizzard alerts spanning from Maryland to Massachusetts. Snowfall between 30 and 61 cm is expected, with high winds and possible power outages, particularly during Sunday night and into Monday.
Impact on New York City
New York is currently a focal point of the storm’s effects. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has declared a ban on non-essential travel from 9 PM on Sunday until noon on Monday. Monday’s classes have been canceled, as city officials warn that the storm is unprecedented in the last decade. Emergency declarations extend across New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and other parts of New York.
Travel Disruptions
The storm has severely affected transportation, with over 3,500 flights canceled through Sunday afternoon. Almost all flights from New York and Boston have been suspended for Monday. New Jersey has reduced the speed limit to 56 km/h on its highways to mitigate danger.
Meteorologists describe this event as potentially historic, noting the rarity of a storm of this magnitude striking such a densely populated area.
Community Preparedness
The New York Blood Center has appealed for donations due to an anticipated shortage of nearly 3,000 donations expected as a result of the storm. Campaigns scheduled for Sunday and Monday have been suspended, necessitating immediate donations to replenish supplies.
Ongoing Restrictions
In Connecticut, a commercial travel ban is still active. State Emergency Management Director William Turner emphasized the importance of remaining off the roads due to dangerous conditions. Reports from the southeastern region indicate snowfall of up to 20 inches (51 cm) and wind gusts as high as 68 mph (about 109 km/h).
Power Outages and Emergency Responses
The storm has left thousands without power across New York, New Jersey, and neighboring communities. Reports show significant outages, including:
- JCPL (New Jersey): 69,159 clients affected
- PSEG (New Jersey): 3,972 clients affected
- PSEG (Long Island): 16,426 customers affected
- Con Edison (New York): 3,770 clients affected
- Orange and Rockland: 615 clients affected
Flight Cancellations and Travel Disruptions
Flight cancellations continue to plague the region, with thousands of flights grounded. As recovery operations proceed, local authorities urge residents to conserve resources and prioritize safety as emergency services work to restore power and clear roads.
Latest Snow Accumulation Reports
The latest snowfall records indicate:
- Sheepshead Bay (New York): 52.1 cm
- East Islip (Long Island): 67.3 cm
- Freehold (New Jersey): 61.5 cm
- Valhalla (Hudson Valley): 53.8 cm
- Bridgeport (Connecticut): 40.6 cm
As the region braces for more of the storm’s impact, communities must stay informed and remain safe until conditions improve.