UPDATE: A powerful winter storm is currently battering the East Coast, with blizzard warnings and weather alerts issued from Maryland to Massachusetts. Snow and rain began falling Sunday, marking the onset of a storm expected to unleash up to 2 feet of snow and fierce winds overnight.
The National Weather Service has warned that this storm could produce blizzard conditions with winds reaching up to 55 mph, creating life-threatening whiteout situations. Authorities have issued urgent travel advisories in major cities, including New York City and Boston, where non-essential travel is highly discouraged.
Meteorologist Cody Snell from the Weather Prediction Center described the storm as “a major winter storm and a major impact for this part of the country.” As snow accumulates at rates of 2 inches per hour in some areas, residents are urged to stay indoors.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a travel ban for all non-essential traffic starting at 9 PM Sunday, which will remain in effect until noon Monday. “These are blizzard conditions. New York City has not faced a storm of this scale in the last decade,” he stated during a press conference. He also canceled in-person classes for city schools, marking the “first old-school snow day since 2019.”
In preparation for the storm, city officials have mobilized resources, including recruiting workers for snow removal efforts. Outreach teams are actively encouraging homeless individuals to seek shelter as the storm poses significant risks.
As of Sunday afternoon, over 3,500 flights have been canceled across the U.S. due to the storm’s impact, according to FlightAware. Major disruptions in transportation are expected as conditions worsen.
In New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency starting at noon Sunday, warning residents of a “potentially historic winter storm.” Local officials, including Atlantic City’s fire chief, Scott Evans, have advised residents to stay off the streets, especially in areas prone to flooding.
“Please stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep one another in prayer during the storm,” the Rev. Peter James Alindogan of St. Veronica Parish urged his community, as many churches canceled Sunday services in light of the severe weather.
As the storm intensifies, businesses and emergency services are bracing for the aftermath, including potential power outages and hazardous conditions. Snow removal companies are gearing up for extensive operations, with one local business owner stating, “I’m anticipating at least one week of work around the clock.”
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions as this storm unfolds. Stay safe and share this information to help others prepare for the severe conditions ahead.
