Powerful Winter Storm Slams Northeast, NYC Travel Ban

Published: 23 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A powerful winter storm — a major nor’easter and “bomb cyclone” — has slammed the northeastern United States, triggering widespread blizzard conditions, travel bans, state of emergency declarations, and severe disruptions across the region. Cities from New York to Boston and beyond are bracing for heavy snow, hurricane-force winds and dangerous conditions that officials warn could be historic in scale.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a citywide state of emergency as the blizzard approached, issuing a travel ban covering all non-essential vehicles from 9 p.m. Sunday until noon Monday to keep roads clear for snow crews and emergency services. Major streets, highways and bridges were closed to cars, trucks, scooters and other vehicles, with narrow exemptions only for emergency responders and essential personnel.

The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings across a vast swath of the Northeast from the mid-Atlantic up through southeastern New England, where heavy snowfall, fierce winds and whiteout conditions are expected. Forecasts call for snow totals of up to 2 feet (60 cm) or more in many areas, with wind gusts of 60–70 mph that could cause power outages, coastal flooding and dangerous travel.

The storm is already forcing massive disruptions to travel and daily life. Thousands of flights have been canceled at major airports including those serving New York City, Boston and Philadelphia, and rail and transit services in several states have either reduced operations or been suspended. Schools across parts of the region — including NYC and Boston — were closed, while public transit systems and major commuter services remain under emergency adjustments.

In addition to New York, multiple states have declared emergencies and imposed travel restrictions. New Jersey has halted public transportation, Connecticut and Massachusetts have restricted truck and commercial travel, and widespread snow plow and salt operations are underway to keep key routes open as conditions worsen.

Officials are urging residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for prolonged hazardous conditions. With millions under blizzard warnings, the storm is expected to have cascading effects on mail delivery, emergency response times and infrastructure as communities cope with heavy snow and sustained winds.

As blizzard conditions continue into Monday, authorities say the region could see historic snowfall accumulations, and residents are being warned to take all precautions, including stocking essential supplies and heeding travel advisories.

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