Key Points
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More than 22 inches of snow reported in parts of the East Coast
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Over 5,000 flights canceled across major U.S. airports
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Officials warn of near impossible travel conditions in New York
New York City: A powerful winter storm slammed the U.S. East Coast on Monday, dumping more than 22 inches of snow in some areas and creating what officials described as near impossible travel conditions across parts of New York.
The National Weather Service reported over 15 inches of snow in Central Park alone, with higher totals recorded across the wider region. Winter storm warnings stretched from North Carolina to northern Maine, while parts of eastern Canada also faced severe conditions.
Flights grounded across major hubs
Air travel across the Northeast was heavily disrupted as the storm intensified. More than 5,000 flights into and out of the United States were canceled by Monday, according to aviation data, with New York area airports among the hardest hit.
At LaGuardia Airport, roughly 98 percent of scheduled flights were scrubbed. Boston Logan International Airport saw more than 90 percent of flights canceled, while Newark Liberty and Philadelphia International also reported widespread disruptions.
Airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines issued travel waivers as carriers attempted to manage the fallout.
Dangerous conditions on the ground
Across New York City, streets were blanketed in shin deep snow as sanitation crews worked extended shifts to clear major routes. Fallen trees and reduced visibility added to the hazards.
“It was eerily quiet along Fifth Avenue,” one field report noted, describing limited pedestrian movement as crews worked to clear sidewalks and roadways.
State officials warned that blowing snow and strong winds could continue to create treacherous conditions even after snowfall slows.
Power outages and emergency alerts
Hundreds of thousands of customers across the region lost electricity as heavy snow and gusty winds weighed down power lines and trees. Officials in New Jersey and Connecticut warned outages could rise as winds strengthen.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said falling trees remain a major concern, calling the situation dangerous for both roads and utilities.
NYC schools to reopen Tuesday
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said public schools will reopen for in-person classes Tuesday after Monday’s full snow day. Officials said crews are working overnight to ensure school routes are safe for students.
Why this storm matters
Forecasters say the system could rival the costly 2021 Groundhog Day nor’easter, which caused about $100 million in damage across the Northeast. This is also the first time in nine years that New York City has been placed under a blizzard warning, underscoring the storm’s severity.
Weather officials continue to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel and monitor local advisories as cleanup efforts continue across the East Coast.
