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Massive storm paralyzes US East Coast with record-breaking snow
A powerful nor'easter dumped unprecedented snow across the northeastern United States on Monday, disrupting travel, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, and forcing rare closures of major institutions. The storm is expected to shift into eastern Canada by Tuesday, though strong winds will persist.
Snowfall shatters records in multiple states
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts received nearly 37 inches (94 cm) of snow, while New York City's Central Park recorded over 19 inches. Weather alerts spanned from North Carolina to northern Maine, extending into eastern Canada.
Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state, experienced its worst snowstorm on record. Providence, the state capital, measured 36 inches (91 cm), surpassing the previous record of 28.6 inches (72.6 cm) set in February 1978.
"It completely smashed it. We were just as shocked as everyone else."
Candice Hrencecin, NWS meteorologist in Boston
Travel bans and widespread disruptions
Officials in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts imposed travel bans for non-essential vehicles, citing white-out conditions that made roads nearly impassable. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey warned in an online post that stranded motorists would face severe delays in receiving help.
Boston resident Bradley Jay described the storm as confining, telling Reuters, "I won't be able to really walk around town for another ten days. So I'm stuck inside."
New York City lifted its travel ban at noon local time (17:00 GMT) after a near-total shutdown of roads, highways, and bridges. The NYPD is investigating videos showing officers being pelted with snowballs in Washington Square Park, with Commissioner Jessica Tisch calling the behavior "disgraceful and criminal."
Power outages and infrastructure strain
Over 600,000 properties along the East Coast lost power, with nearly 300,000 outages in Massachusetts alone. Barnstable County, which includes Cape Cod, saw 85% of its customers without electricity, according to PowerOutage monitor.
The Boston Globe announced it would not print Tuesday's edition for the first time in its 153-year history, citing snow-blocked roads that prevented staff from reaching the printing press. Subscribers will receive both Tuesday and Wednesday's editions on Wednesday.
Air travel chaos as thousands of flights canceled
FlightAware reported over 5,700 cancellations within, into, or out of the U.S. on Monday. New York's LaGuardia and JFK airports-typically serving over 335,000 passengers daily-saw 98% and 91% of flights canceled, respectively. Boston, Newark, and Philadelphia also faced mass cancellations.
More than 2,000 flights were canceled on Tuesday, with Boston, Newark, and LaGuardia remaining the hardest hit. Long Island resident Sandra Wu told Reuters her family couldn't open their front door due to 18 inches (46 cm) of snow, calling it the worst storm she had ever experienced.
Storm moves north, but risks remain
The NWS forecasts the storm will shift into eastern Canada by Tuesday, though lingering strong winds could continue to cause power outages and hazardous road conditions. Connecticut and New Jersey officials warned of falling trees and branches exacerbating the situation.
Snow accumulations near the northeastern coastline were expected to reach 1 to 2 feet (30 to 61 cm), with cleanup efforts likely to extend for days.
