New York Blizzard: new york blizzard prompts travel ban as accumulations begin to build
The new york blizzard that has begun lashing the US north-east prompted a full travel ban in New York City and widespread disruptions across the region, heightening concerns about travel, power outages and coastal flooding.
City shuts streets and schools as travel ban takes effect
A full travel ban is in place in New York City from Sunday evening until noon local time on Monday, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani saying all streets, highways and bridges would be shut to traffic except for emergencies and that schools would be closed. The city is expected to be hit with 18–24 inches of snow and temperatures as low as -6C (20F), while officials warned the most severe snowfall could reach up to 28 inches (70cm) overnight into Monday.
Warnings for 59 million people and states of emergency declared
Some 59 million people are under weather warnings and states of emergency have been declared across the north-east as the storm pushes through. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the whole state and put 100 members of the National Guard on ready alert. Hochul said, "This will be something the likes of which we've not seen in years, " and warned, "People will be in the dark. Long Island and New York City and lower Hudson are literally in the direct eye of the storm. "
Power losses mounting across several states
The blizzard has already caused tens of thousands of properties to lose power. Nearly 90, 000 properties were without power in New Jersey alone, with tens of thousands more affected in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia as of 03: 00 ET (08: 00 GMT). Officials warned the storm could bring further outages as high winds and heavy snow take hold.
Flights, Broadway and racing cancelled as airports scramble
Air travel has been severely disrupted, with around 5, 500 US flights cancelled on Sunday and hundreds more delayed. Thousands more flights were cancelled on Monday, with New York's John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports worst affected. All Broadway shows were cancelled on Sunday evening, and the New York Racing Association cancelled Sunday's eight horse races at the Aqueduct Racetrack.
Storm intensity: heavy snowfall rates, fierce winds and coastal flooding
Forecasters say much of the US north-east and Canada's maritime provinces will be affected from Sunday evening into Monday. The storm is expected to be the most powerful nor'easter in nearly a decade for much of the region, bringing snow, fierce winds and coastal flooding. The US National Weather Service has warned snowfall could come at estimated rates of 2–3 inches per hour and reach 1–2 ft (30–60cm) in places, creating what it described as "nearly impossible" travel conditions that were "extremely treacherous. " NWS meteorologist Cody Snell said it had been several years since the region saw a storm of this magnitude across such a populated area.
Local consequences and human impact
For many residents the timing and scale of disruptions are immediate. Brooklyn resident Brandon Smith said, "It's gonna be difficult for most New Yorkers to get around because we still have to go to work, " adding that suspended roads could complicate people keeping jobs that require travel. The city is under its first blizzard warning in nine years and the storm is the second major snow event of Mayor Mamdani's new administration, following a three-week cold snap in January that was linked to 19 deaths.
Coastal wind threat and safety warnings
Across the state the highest wind gusts are expected along the coast, with gusts forecast up to 65–70 mph (104–112 km/h). Officials warned of downed tree limbs and additional power outages as the storm moves through, and urged residents to stay off the roads and follow emergency instructions while the new york blizzard continues to produce heavy snow and high winds.
