Historic Nor’easter Puts 59M Under US Weather Alerts

A powerful winter storm has begun battering the northeastern United States that placed nearly 59 million residents under weather advisories. As a result, it has triggered power outages, and a sweeping travel ban across New York City. Authorities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Rhode Island have already declared states of emergency. Officials warned that worsening conditions could disrupt daily life across the region through Monday.

Forecasters expected that the massive nor’easter would intensify from Sunday evening into early Monday. It affects much of the Northeast as well as parts of the Canadian Maritimes. Consequently, meteorologists say this could become the most severe winter storm to strike the densely populated corridor in nearly a decade. It brings heavy snowfall, winds, and possible coastal flooding.

Blizzard Warnings Trigger Flight Disruptions and Power Outages Across Northeast US

About 40 million people currently remain under blizzard warnings, while an additional 19 million face winter storm alerts stretching from the Central Appalachians to coastal Maine. Meanwhile, more than 3,900 flights were canceled on Sunday alone, and hundreds more experienced delays, according to FlightAware.

In addition, electricity outages continue to rise across several states. Over 20,000 customers in New Jersey have already lost power. According to PowerOutage.us, more than a thousand households in Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland remain without electricity.

The National Weather Service warned that snowfall could reach rates of up to three inches per hour, with total accumulations between one and two feet likely in some areas. As a result, officials expect travel conditions to become “nearly impossible” in parts of the Northeast.

States of Emergency Declared as Nor’easter Hits Northeast US Cities

Snow began falling Sunday evening in major cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, and New York, where forecasters predict the harshest impact. It is also the first time in nine years that New York City has been placed under a blizzard warning, with up to 24 inches of snow expected across the metropolitan area.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide emergency and deployed approximately 100 National Guard members ahead of the storm. “This will be something the likes of which we’ve not seen in years”, she said. “People will be in the dark”.

Similarly, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee urged residents to remain indoors, and stated that, “We’re asking Rhode Islanders to take this storm seriously and stay home”. Officials across New Jersey and Connecticut have also halted transit services and restricted commercial vehicle movement in response to mounting risks.

Although conditions in Washington, D.C. may remain less severe. Schools in nearby districts have already announced closures, while federal offices delayed opening hours and allowed remote work options due to deteriorating weather.

Web Resources on Northeast US Winter Storm Emergency Updates

1. CNN.com: Blizzard whips Northeast with whiteout conditions
2. NBC.com: Winter storm live updates: Northeast prepares for historic blizzard
3. FoxWeather.com: Monster blizzard to paralyze major Northeast airports, roads with intense snow, winds