URGENT UPDATE: A powerful winter storm is unleashing severe blizzard conditions across New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area as of February 22, 2026. With forecasts predicting up to 17 inches of snow in NYC and up to two feet in nearby regions, this storm is poised to be one of the most impactful in recent years.
The National Weather Service warns of heavy, wet snow accumulating at rates of up to 2 inches per hour, which will transition to sleet and ice along coastal areas like Long Island and the I-95 corridor. Winds are gusting between 35-70 mph, creating near-blizzard conditions with treacherous visibility expected to continue through Monday. Temperatures have plummeted below freezing, with wind chills dipping below 0°F, marking the coldest air in NYC in the past eight years.
Blizzard warnings are in effect for New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, parts of Pennsylvania, the Hudson Valley, and southern New England, indicating substantial to extreme impacts, as noted by NOAA’s Winter Storm Severity Index. Areas east and southeast of I-95, from Philadelphia to Boston, are expected to receive over 12 inches of snow, with coastal zones facing increased risks of ice and power outages.
Expected Snowfall:
– NYC Core: 6-17 inches, with heavy snow rates and whiteouts.
– Long Island / Coastal NJ: 6-12 inches, risk of icy roads and outages.
– Hudson Valley / Inland CT: 12-24 inches, blizzard conditions.
– Philadelphia to Boston: 12+ inches, extreme impacts and flooding.
In light of the dangerous conditions, DoorDash has suspended operations in NYC until at least Monday at 10 a.m. NYC’s Code Blue is active, ensuring that homeless shelters remain open 24/7 amid the extreme cold. Schools, medical facilities, and major transit systems, including subways and flights, are facing widespread closures or delays. Airports are reporting mass cancellations, and Monday commutes are expected to be “extremely hazardous.”
The storm’s impact is already being felt, with at least five New Yorkers found deceased outdoors before the peak snowfall, highlighting the vulnerabilities associated with extreme cold. This storm evokes memories of the devastating 1888 Great Blizzard, which caused nearly 400 deaths and halted travel across the region. Power outages are on the rise due to ice and high winds, prompting emergency states to be declared in New Jersey.
Residents are urged to avoid travel, stock up on essentials, and heed local alerts. NYC Emergency Management is stressing the importance of taking precautions against hypothermia. While major roadways will be prioritized for plowing, side streets may remain hazardous, complicating recovery efforts.
This high-impact storm demands vigilance as snowfall tapers but dangerously low temperatures linger. Stay informed through official channels to minimize risks and ensure safety.
For those in the affected areas, this is a developing situation—take precautions, stay indoors, and share this urgent update with family and friends.
