A powerful winter storm swept across the US east coast on Monday, bringing record-breaking snowfall, widespread travel disruptions, and thousands of flight cancellations.
Parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts recorded nearly 37 inches (94 cm) of snow, while New York City’s Central Park saw more than 19 inches, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Authorities warned of “near impossible” travel conditions in New York. Over 600,000 homes and businesses lost power, with New Jersey and Massachusetts among the hardest hit.
Winter storm warnings were in effect from North Carolina to northern Maine, with some extending into eastern Canada. The snow was expected to continue throughout Monday, with coastal areas forecast to receive a total of 1–2 feet (30–61 cm) by Tuesday morning.
Rhode Island, the smallest US state, experienced its worst snowstorm on record. Providence, the state capital, received 36 inches (91 cm) of snow, surpassing the previous record of 28.6 inches (72.6 cm) set in February 1978. “It completely smashed it,” said Candice Hrencecin, an NWS meteorologist in Boston.
In response, travel bans were imposed on non-essential driving in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and later in Massachusetts. Governor Maura Healey urged residents to stay off the roads due to white-out conditions and reduced visibility. “If you get stuck, help will have a hard time reaching you… I strongly urge everyone to stay off the roads no matter where you live,” she said, also reducing speed limits on major highways.
Massachusetts saw nearly 300,000 people without power, including 85% of customers in Barnstable County, which encompasses Cape Cod. In New York City, the travel ban temporarily brought the city of over eight million residents to a near standstill before it was lifted at noon. Authorities in Connecticut and New Jersey warned of falling trees and branches creating dangerous road conditions and further power outages.
Air travel was heavily affected, with over 5,700 flights cancelled nationwide on Monday. LaGuardia Airport saw 98% of flights cancelled, JFK Airport 91%, Boston Logan International Airport 92%, Newark Liberty Airport 92%, and Philadelphia International Airport 80%. More than 2,000 additional flights were expected to be cancelled on Tuesday, with Boston and New York among the worst affected.
