Northeast Snowstorm February 2026 Causes Millions to Stay Home

Over 2 feet of snow fell in parts of the Northeast, with millions facing travel bans. This is much higher than typical winter snowfall.
By Newsroom | Weather, United States |

A severe winter storm has hit the northeastern United States, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and blizzard conditions. Millions of people are under travel bans, with many public services and transportation networks significantly disrupted. Power outages have also affected tens of thousands of households.

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The storm began impacting the region on Monday, February 23rd, 2026. Snowfall rates reached 2 to 3 inches per hour in areas from New York through Massachusetts. Cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia have experienced substantial snowfall, with recorded amounts exceeding 15 to over 29 inches in various locations.

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Several states and major cities implemented emergency measures and travel restrictions:

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  • New York City issued a travel ban, closed public schools, and saw Broadway shows canceled.

  • New Jersey and Rhode Island also enacted statewide travel bans.

  • Massachusetts declared a state of emergency.

  • Philadelphia moved to online learning for schools.

Transportation was heavily impacted, with thousands of flights canceled at major airports, particularly in New York and Boston. Businesses also adjusted, with many employees working remotely, though some, like employees at JPMorgan Chase's New York headquarters, were reportedly not given the option for remote work. Delivery services, such as DoorDash, suspended operations in affected areas.

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

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Power Outages Widespread

Tens of thousands of residents are without power. As of Monday night, New Jersey reported over 58,000 outages, while Rhode Island had more than 42,000 customers without power. Restoring power is expected to be a difficult, multi-day process due to the severe weather.

Snowfall Records and Accumulation

Specific snowfall totals reported include:

  • Long Island MacArthur Airport, New York: 22.5 inches

  • Central Park, New York City: Ranging from 15 inches to 19.7 inches

  • Babylon, New York: Over 29 inches

  • Freehold, New Jersey: Over 26 inches (also reported at 22 inches in another account)

  • Moonacie, New Jersey: 24.2 inches

  • Newark, New Jersey: Approximately 18 inches

  • New London, Connecticut: 17 inches

  • North Kingstown, Rhode Island: 17 inches

  • Islip, New York: 20 inches

  • Perth Amboy, New Jersey: 20 inches

  • Tullytown, Pennsylvania: 18 inches

  • Lewes, Delaware: 18 inches

These accumulations, combined with strong winds, created whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous and, in some areas, life-threatening.

Government Response

State governments took measures to address the storm:

  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the entire state and placed 100 members of the National Guard on ready alert.

  • State government offices were closed on Monday in New York.

  • Rhode Island's travel ban was set to be reassessed on Tuesday morning.

The severe weather highlights the vulnerability of the densely populated northeastern corridor to significant winter storm events. The disruption to daily life, commerce, and essential services is substantial.

Read More: Senator Padilla to Give Spanish Response to State of the Union Address in 2026

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in the Northeast on Monday, February 23rd, 2026?
A large snowstorm hit the Northeast US on February 23rd, 2026, bringing heavy snow and strong winds. Millions of people were told not to travel, and many services were stopped.
Q: How much snow fell in the Northeast during the February 23rd, 2026 storm?
Snowfall was very heavy, with some places getting over 2 feet of snow. For example, Babylon, New York, received over 29 inches, and Freehold, New Jersey, saw over 26 inches.
Q: What travel problems did the February 23rd, 2026 snowstorm cause?
Many flights were canceled at big airports like in New York and Boston. New York City, New Jersey, and Rhode Island had travel bans, meaning people could not drive. Broadway shows were also canceled.
Q: How many people lost power during the Northeast snowstorm on February 23rd, 2026?
Tens of thousands of homes lost power. By Monday night, New Jersey had over 58,000 homes without electricity, and Rhode Island had more than 42,000 homes without power.
Q: What did government officials do about the February 23rd, 2026 snowstorm?
New York's Governor declared a state of emergency for the whole state and put 100 National Guard members on alert. State government offices were closed on Monday in New York.