Highlights:
- More than 5,600 flights were canceled Monday, with 2,000 more canceled Tuesday due to the Nor’easter.
- Over 450,000 utility customers lost power nationwide.
- Central Park recorded 19 inches of snow; Warwick, Rhode Island, reported more than three feet.
- Schools closed across New York City, Boston, and surrounding districts.
- The National Weather Service classified the storm as a “classic bomb cyclone/nor’easter.”
A powerful Nor’easter struck the Northeastern United States, bringing record snowfall, grounding thousands of flights, closing schools and transit systems, and cutting electricity to hundreds of thousands of customers. Officials across multiple states declared emergencies as the storm intensified into what the National Weather Service classified as a “classic bomb cyclone/nor’easter.”
Nor’easter flight cancellations exceed 7,600 in two days
The Nor’easter triggered widespread aviation disruption. According to FlightAware, more than 5,600 flights in and out of the United States were canceled Monday. Another 2,000 scheduled for Tuesday were also scrapped.
Airports in New York, New Jersey, and Boston were among the hardest hit. Nearly 2,500 additional flights were delayed, affecting domestic and international travel. Airlines advised passengers to check flight status before heading to airports as recovery operations continued.
The scale of cancellations made this Nor’easter one of the most disruptive winter storms for air travel in recent years.
Record snowfall from Maryland to Maine
The Nor’easter blanketed cities from Maryland to Maine, with several areas reporting snowfall totals exceeding two feet.
Central Park in New York City recorded 19 inches of snow. Warwick, Rhode Island, reported more than three feet, the highest total nationwide.
Meteorologists described the storm as the most powerful to impact the region in a decade. The National Weather Service labeled it a “classic bomb cyclone/nor’easter,” referring to a system that rapidly intensifies as atmospheric pressure drops sharply within 24 hours.
Wind gusts reached 83 mph in Nantucket. Hurricane-force winds were recorded across Cape Cod, compounding the impact of heavy snow and reducing visibility across coastal communities.
50,000 without power as Nor’easter damages infrastructure
Heavy, wet snow and strong winds from the Nor’easter caused widespread power outages. By Monday evening, more than 450,000 utility customers nationwide remained without electricity, according to PowerOutage.us.
Meteorologists described the snow as a “Goldilocks” mix of moisture and temperature, increasing the risk of falling trees and downed power lines. Utility crews worked overnight to restore service, but officials warned that full restoration could take time due to hazardous road conditions.
Emergency declarations were issued in several states and major cities, including New York and Philadelphia. Outreach teams transported homeless residents to shelters and warming centers as temperatures dropped.
Schools, transit, and landmarks shut down
The Nor’easter forced widespread closures across the Northeast.
New York City declared its first traditional snow day in six years. Boston canceled public school classes. Philadelphia shifted to remote learning. Several suburban districts on Long Island announced a second day of closures.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said New York City schools would reopen Tuesday (23), urging students to “stay cozy” during the storm. However, officials in Staten Island maintained that unsafe road conditions warranted continued closures.
Public transit systems faced major disruptions. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority reported that most subway lines were operational by Monday evening, though service remained suspended in Staten Island. Commuter rail lines and bus services experienced delays, with limited operations expected for the Tuesday morning commute.
Major landmarks closed as well. The Museum of Modern Art in New York suspended operations. Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., closed to visitors. Broadway performances scheduled for Sunday evening were canceled.
Streets quiet as residents assess impact of Nor’easter
The Nor’easter significantly reduced activity in major cities. Streets in Lower Manhattan were largely empty during what would normally be peak rush hour. In Times Square, some tourists ventured outside to experience the snowfall, while others used sleds and skis in residential neighborhoods.
Despite the disruption, officials continued to caution residents against unnecessary travel while snow removal operations remained underway.
Additional snowfall possible after Nor’easter
Forecasters warned that another storm system could bring additional snowfall later in the week. With large portions of the region already buried under heavy accumulation from the Nor’easter, further precipitation could slow recovery efforts.
Crews continue clearing roads, restoring power, and resuming transit services. Authorities are urging residents to monitor local advisories and prepare for continued winter conditions as the region works toward full restoration.
