Northeast Blizzard on Feb 23, 2026 Causes 9,000+ Flight Cancellations and Power Outages

Over 9,000 flights were canceled across the US, with New York airports seeing over 95% of flights stopped. This is much higher than usual travel disruptions.
By Newsroom | Weather, Travel |

A severe winter storm brought blizzard conditions to the Northeastern United States, causing significant travel disruptions and widespread power outages. Snowfall of up to two feet in some areas, coupled with strong winds, led to the cancellation of thousands of flights and left many without electricity. Travel bans were enacted in several states as the storm impacted major East Coast cities.

Blizzard updates: 9,000 flights canceled and thousands left without power as winter storm pummels the Northeast - 1

The storm began with rain in some areas, turning to heavy snow and blizzard conditions across the region. Snowfall rates reached up to 1-3 inches per hour in affected zones, leading to whiteout conditions. Cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia were at the epicenter of the storm, experiencing substantial snowfall and wind gusts.

Blizzard updates: 9,000 flights canceled and thousands left without power as winter storm pummels the Northeast - 2

Timeline of Events and Impacts

The winter storm developed over several days, with preparations and warnings issued in advance.

Blizzard updates: 9,000 flights canceled and thousands left without power as winter storm pummels the Northeast - 3

  • February 21:

  • PSEG Long Island warned residents of potential power outages due to strong winds and heavy snow.

  • Governor Kathy Hochul of New York declared a state of emergency for 22 counties and activated over 100 National Guard members.

  • A travel ban for commercial vehicles and tractor trailers was planned for parts of New York State starting February 22.

  • New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency and urged residents to stay off roads. The New Jersey Department of Transportation prepared approximately 3,400 workers for road pretreatments.

  • Three state parks in Delaware closed surf fishing crossings. Governor Matt Meyer of Delaware declared a state of emergency.

  • February 22:

  • Road treatments were scheduled to begin in Washington D.C.

  • Flurries were observed in New York City in the early morning, developing into snowfall later in the day.

  • New daily snowfall records were set for February 22 across the New York City tri-state area.

  • In Philadelphia, rain started around 10:00 a.m. local time and continued until 3:00 p.m., eventually turning to snow as temperatures dropped.

  • A state of emergency was declared in New Jersey and large parts of New England.

  • A travel ban for commercial vehicles and tractor trailers began on Interstate 84 and points south in New York.

  • New Jersey's Office of Emergency Management issued a travel ban starting at 9:00 p.m. EST.

  • NJ Transit suspended buses and light rail services.

  • A Level 2 driving warning was issued for roadways in Delaware.

  • February 23 (Main Impact Day):

  • Blizzard conditions intensified across the Northeast.

  • Major cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia experienced heavy snow and high winds.

  • Thousands of flights were canceled across the East Coast.

  • Power outages affected tens of thousands of homes and businesses.

  • Snowfall totals exceeded two feet in parts of five states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.

Travel Disruptions

The storm severely impacted air travel and road conditions.

Read More: Historic Blizzard Closes NYC Schools and Flights on Sunday February 23 2026

  • Flight Cancellations:

  • More than 9,000 flights were canceled across the U.S. due to the storm.

  • Major airports serving New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia experienced significant cancellations.

  • At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), approximately 88% of departing flights and 87% of arriving flights were canceled, impacting nearly 1,100 total flights.

  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA) saw about 98% of departures and 96% of arrivals canceled, affecting over 1,025 flights.

  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) canceled around 83% of departures and 73% of arrivals, totaling 860 impacted flights.

  • Nearly a quarter of inbound international flights were also canceled.

  • Disruptions were expected to continue through at least Tuesday.

  • Road Conditions:

  • Travel bans were in effect in several states, restricting movement for certain vehicles.

  • Roads in affected areas were covered in snow, creating hazardous driving conditions.

  • Blizzard warnings were issued for much of the East Coast, from Maryland to Maine.

Power Outages and Snowfall Totals

Significant snowfall and strong winds led to power outages and record snow accumulations in some locations.

  • Power Outages:

  • 100,000 people were reported without power in Boston, Massachusetts.

  • Mass power outages were reported across the Northeast.

  • Snowfall:

  • Reports indicated 9 inches of snow in Hainesport, New Jersey, and 9.5 inches in Manorville, New York, by late Monday.

  • Parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island received over 2 feet of snow.

  • Providence, Rhode Island, broke its all-time snow record.

  • Central Park in New York City recorded 19.7 inches of snow as of 1 p.m. ET.

  • More than 30 inches of snow fell in some areas.

  • Heavy snow bands produced 1-2 inches per hour, with some areas expecting 2-4 inches per hour during the storm's peak.

  • Wind gusts reached up to 80 mph in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

  • Reports of thundersnow were noted in Long Branch, New Jersey, and briefly in New York City.

Official Responses and Preparedness

State and local officials implemented emergency measures to address the storm's impact.

  • States of Emergency: Declared in New Jersey, New York, and Delaware, as well as large portions of New England.

  • National Guard Activation: Over 100 members of the National Guard were activated in New York.

  • Emergency Shelters: Emergency pop-up shelters were opened.

  • Road Preparation: States reported significant preparations, including road pretreatments and salt supplies, though some areas noted shortages of snow preparation equipment due to high demand.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in the Northeast on February 23, 2026?
A major blizzard brought heavy snow and strong winds to the Northeast. Many areas received over two feet of snow, causing widespread travel problems and power outages.
Q: How many flights were canceled because of the February 23, 2026 blizzard?
Over 9,000 flights across the United States were canceled. Major airports in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia saw most of their flights stopped.
Q: Did people lose power during the February 23, 2026 blizzard?
Yes, tens of thousands of homes and businesses lost power. Boston alone reported 100,000 people without electricity due to the storm.
Q: How much snow did the February 23, 2026 blizzard bring to the Northeast?
Some areas in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island got over two feet of snow. Central Park in New York City recorded 19.7 inches.
Q: What did officials do to prepare for the blizzard on February 23, 2026?
Governors in New Jersey, New York, and Delaware declared states of emergency. Over 100 National Guard members were activated in New York, and emergency shelters were opened.