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

Over 3,000 flights were canceled in the NYC area due to the historic blizzard, more than double the usual number for a winter day.
By Newsroom | Weather, Travel |

A significant winter storm, characterized as a historic blizzard, has significantly impacted the northeastern United States, leading to widespread travel disruptions, including a city-wide travel ban in New York City. The storm, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds, prompted states of emergency in multiple regions and resulted in thousands of flight cancellations.

Blizzard triggers New York City travel ban as airlines cancel thousands of flights - 1

Storm's Onset and Impact

The powerful nor'easter intensified off the Mid-Atlantic coast, bringing predictions of up to two feet of snow, and in some areas, potentially more. Snowfall rates were reported to exceed two inches per hour in certain locations, severely reducing visibility and creating perilous travel conditions.

Blizzard triggers New York City travel ban as airlines cancel thousands of flights - 2

  • Travel Ban: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a city-wide travel ban on Sunday afternoon, alongside a State of Emergency for all five boroughs. This measure was enacted in anticipation of the storm's severity.

  • Flight Cancellations: Major airports in the New York City metropolitan area, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International, experienced over 3,000 flight cancellations. Several airlines, such as American Airlines, suspended operations at these key hubs. Disruptions extended to airports in Philadelphia and Boston.

  • State of Emergency: States of emergency were declared in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.

  • School Closures: New York City Public Schools announced a full snow day for Monday. Boston, Massachusetts, also closed its schools.

  • Public Services: NYC Ferry suspended service starting Sunday afternoon. New York Public Libraries were scheduled to close on Sunday and Monday. Alternate Side Parking was suspended on Monday. The Long Island Railroad was set to fully suspend service early Monday morning.

Forecasted Snowfall and Conditions

Forecasters predicted substantial snowfall across the region.

Blizzard triggers New York City travel ban as airlines cancel thousands of flights - 3

  • New York City: The city and its surrounding suburbs were expected to receive between 18 to 24 inches of snow, with some areas like Islip possibly seeing up to 24 inches.

  • Northeast Coast: Conditions were anticipated to be harshest along the coast, with New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island forecasted to experience the most severe impact.

  • Wind: Wind gusts approaching 50 miles per hour were also a contributing factor to the hazardous conditions.

Official Declarations and Warnings

  • Blizzard Warnings: The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for much of New Jersey, the New York City area, and parts of Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

  • Emergency Declarations: Governors in several states, including Kathy Hochul of New York and governors of New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island, declared states of emergency.

Precautionary Measures

In anticipation of the storm, officials implemented various measures to ensure public safety and manage the impending snowfall.

Blizzard triggers New York City travel ban as airlines cancel thousands of flights - 4

  • Government Offices: New York state government offices were closed on Monday.

  • Airlines: Airlines waived cancellation and change fees for flights spanning from Virginia to Maine as a response to the widespread disruptions.

The collected information suggests a coordinated response from city and state officials, along with transportation entities, in preparation for and reaction to the severe weather event. The data highlights the extensive impact on travel and public services due to the blizzard's intensity.

Read More: US Winter Storm Sunday: Snow, Ice Threatens Travel and State Operations

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in New York City on Sunday, February 23, 2026?
A historic blizzard hit New York City on Sunday, February 23, 2026. Mayor Mamdani declared a city-wide travel ban and a State of Emergency. Over 3,000 flights were canceled at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports.
Q: Why did New York City schools close on Monday?
New York City Public Schools announced a full snow day for Monday because of the historic blizzard. This was to keep students and staff safe from the heavy snow and strong winds.
Q: How much snow did the Northeast get from the blizzard on February 23, 2026?
The Northeast, especially New York City and its suburbs, was expected to get between 18 to 24 inches of snow. Some areas might have received even more, with wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour making conditions dangerous.
Q: Which states declared a State of Emergency due to the blizzard on Sunday?
States of emergency were declared in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. This allowed officials to prepare for and respond to the severe winter storm.
Q: What was the impact on public transport in New York City on February 23-24, 2026?
Public transport was heavily affected. NYC Ferry suspended service, New York Public Libraries closed, and the Long Island Railroad planned to suspend service early Monday morning. Alternate Side Parking was also suspended.