NEW YORK: A powerful winter storm is battering the northeastern United States, placing 59 million people under weather warnings. Officials have declared states of emergency in several states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey and Rhode Island. Authorities have imposed travel restrictions and bans as the blizzard intensifies.
Forecasters warn that the storm will hit much of the Northeast and the Canadian Maritimes from Sunday evening through Monday. They expect it to be the strongest nor’easter in nearly a decade. The storm will bring heavy snow, fierce winds and coastal flooding.
About 40 million people are under blizzard warnings, while another 19 million face winter storm warnings from the Central Appalachians to coastal Maine. The National Weather Service says snowfall could reach 1 to 2 feet, with rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour. Officials warn that travel could become nearly impossible.
Power outages are already rising. More than 20,000 customers in New Jersey are without electricity. Thousands more have lost power in Virginia, Delaware and Maryland. Airlines have canceled nearly 9,000 flights over two days, according to FlightAware.
Snow began falling Sunday evening in Boston, Philadelphia and New York City. New York City is under its first blizzard warning in nine years. Officials expect 18 to 24 inches of snow in the metro area, with temperatures near 20F (-6C).
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has imposed a full travel ban from Sunday night to Monday afternoon. Authorities have closed schools, streets, highways and bridges except for emergencies. Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a statewide emergency and activated the National Guard.
Officials in Rhode Island, New Jersey and Connecticut have also declared emergencies. They have halted public transport and restricted commercial vehicles. Coastal areas expect wind gusts of up to 70 mph, raising the risk of downed trees and widespread outages.
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Conditions are expected to be worst along the coast. Authorities are urging residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.
