Blizzard Warning and State of Emergency as Major East Coast Storm Heads for New York
A blizzard warning is in effect as a powerful winter storm is set to slam New York City and the Tri-State area Sunday night into Monday, bringing blizzard conditions, dangerous travel and the potential for widespread power outages. Gov. Kathy Hochul says the state is in the crosshairs of the storm and warned New Yorkers to heed warnings about the storm's impact along the East Coast.
Blizzard Warning in effect across the Tri-State
Blizzard Warnings are in effect for Long Island, all five boroughs, Westchester and Rockland counties, coastal Connecticut and much of New Jersey. The storm meets the criteria for a full-blown blizzard — winds gusting 35 mph or higher, heavy snow and visibility under a quarter mile for at least three consecutive hours — and the area may see 10 to 12 hours of true blizzard conditions Sunday night into Monday.
How the storm will develop and expected snowfall
Meteorologist Jeff Smith says this could be one of the most significant snowstorms the region has seen in years, and forecasters compare the setup to the January 2016 storm that was the biggest snowstorm to ever hit New York City on record. The last time the region faced a blizzard warning was in March 2017, making this a rare event. The system forms as energy from the Ohio Valley collides with Gulf and ocean moisture, producing a storm that almost resembles a winter hurricane.
Heavy bands, rates and local totals
Conditions will stay quiet Saturday evening with clouds thickening overnight and a few rain or snow showers possible early Sunday while temperatures remain above freezing. By midday Sunday visibility will begin dropping as steadier snow develops, especially from New York City south and west. After sunset temperatures fall and the storm rapidly intensifies offshore, pulling heavy snow bands directly into the region. Bands of snow could drop at 2 to 3 inches per hour and may sit overhead for hours. Most of the region is projected to see 12 to 18 inches, with localized totals up to 24 inches or more where the heaviest bands stall; Long Island and parts of the Jersey Shore have the highest likelihood of hitting those extreme amounts. Farther north and west, including the Poconos and Catskills, totals are expected to be lower, roughly 8 to 12 inches, due to less access to the storm's core moisture.
Winds, outages and travel impacts
Winds will increase throughout Sunday, peaking overnight with gusts over 40 mph across the region and potentially up to 60 mph on Long Island. Combined with wet, heavy snow this presents a significant risk for downed trees and power outages. Road conditions will deteriorate rapidly Sunday evening and the Monday morning commute may be impossible in some areas. Snow will gradually taper Monday afternoon, though gusty winds and scattered blowing snow will continue. Tuesday turns colder and breezy with leftover cleanup underway; another system is possible Wednesday but early indications suggest it will be significantly weaker.
Airlines suspend operations and recovery timeline
American Airlines said they will suspend operations at LaGuardia, JFK and Philadelphia beginning Sunday afternoon through the day Monday due to the blizzard. "Teams across the airline are working around the clock and will be ready to resume operations at the affected airports Tuesday, Feb. 24 as soon as the conditions allow airlines to safely do so, " the airline said. Recovery and cleanup plans are expected to be active Monday and Tuesday as crews respond to outages and downed trees.
Other regional notes and unrelated headlines in the coverage
Alongside the storm coverage, several other items were noted: the Lakers' 2026-2027 ticket prices will reportedly skyrocket; Brooks has been having a career season with the Suns; on the penultimate day of the Milan Cortina Olympics plenty of medals were up for grabs. It was noted as a good day for people who believe in omens and hate the New York Yankees. Saturday night, figure skating's stars and medal winners gathered for one last time in Milan for the Olympic Gala. NGOs will be responsible for "long-term counter lobbying" and future watchdog actions against publishers. A school has been exploring a move to SoFi Stadium. Tesla hasn't commented on the federal judge's decision yet, but the EV maker is likely going to appeal. Over 14, 000 five-star reviewers agree that a universally flattering formula masks imperfections and creates a smooth base for makeup. In bobsled competition, three bobsleds tipped over at Curve 7 during Saturday's 4-man run; neither France nor Trinidad and Tobago reported any injuries.
Officials emphasize that a blizzard warning remains in effect and that residents should prepare for the storm now. Snow is expected to taper Monday afternoon, and airlines have set a target to resume operations at the affected airports on Tuesday, Feb. 24 if conditions allow.
