New York, 23 February (HS): A powerful winter storm began lashing the northeastern United States on Sunday, placing nearly 59 million people under weather warnings, triggering widespread power outages and prompting a travel ban in New York City.
States of emergency were declared in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey and Rhode Island, with several states imposing travel restrictions or bans amid blizzard conditions. Forecasters said the system, described as the most significant nor’easter in nearly a decade, is expected to impact much of the US northeast and the Canadian Maritimes from Sunday evening through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service, around 40 million people are under blizzard warnings, while an additional 19 million face winter storm warnings stretching from the Central Appalachians to coastal Maine. Authorities warned of heavy snowfall at rates of two to three inches per hour, with total accumulation projected between one and two feet in several areas, making travel conditions nearly impossible.
More than 20,000 customers in New Jersey were reported without electricity, with additional outages recorded in Virginia, Delaware and Maryland. Flight-tracking data indicated that approximately 3,900 flights were cancelled across the United States on Sunday, with hundreds more delayed.
Snowfall began Sunday evening in cities including Boston, Philadelphia and New York. New York City was placed under a blizzard warning for the first time in nine years, with forecasts predicting 18 to 24 inches of snow in the metropolitan area and temperatures falling to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a full travel ban in New York City from 2100 local time Sunday until 1200 local time Monday, closing streets, highways and bridges except for emergency services. Schools were also cancelled. The mayor declared a state of emergency, while Governor Kathy Hochul activated approximately 100 National Guard members statewide and warned of strong coastal winds reaching up to 70 miles per hour.
Officials cautioned residents to remain indoors as conditions are expected to worsen overnight. Public events, including Broadway performances and horse races at Aqueduct Racetrack, were cancelled as authorities prioritised safety amid the severe weather.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
