Blizzard paralyzes US northeast with bans and flight chaos

Storm-related travel bans, widespread flight cancellations and severe blizzard conditions have thrown daily life into disarray across large swathes of the northeastern United States, disrupting transportation networks and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Authorities in major cities including New York enforced bans on non-essential road travel, while some states declared states of emergency as heavy snow and fierce winds battered the densely populated East Coast.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani imposed a travel ban allowing only essential vehicles on city streets as snowfall piled up and gusts approached hurricane force, prompting road closures and forcing public transit services to suspend operations. School districts in New York City and neighbouring states cancelled classes, marking one of the few full snow days seen in years. Officials urged residents to stay home to allow emergency crews to clear streets and respond to power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of utility customers.

The storm, fed by a powerful nor’easter that rapidly intensified over the Atlantic, brought life to a virtual standstill from Maryland through New England, with blizzard warnings stretching across at least seven states. Meteorologists reported snowfall totals of two to three feet in some areas, with record accumulations in parts of Rhode Island and New England. Strong winds and drifting snow drastically reduced visibility, creating treacherous conditions on highways and local roads and compelling authorities to extend travel restrictions in affected counties.

Air travel bore the brunt of the disruption, with more than 8,000 flights cancelled or delayed across major hubs including New York’s JFK and LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and Boston Logan airports. Airlines such as United, Delta, American and JetBlue scrambled to adjust schedules, with JetBlue cancelling the majority of its flights at some airports and projections indicating cancellations would remain elevated into the following days. International carriers were also affected, prompting cancellations and rescheduling of flights between Europe and the United States amid hazardous conditions.

Public transportation systems faced similar challenges. Amtrak suspended key rail services along the busy Northeast Corridor between New York and Boston as snow accumulation blocked tracks, and New York City subway lines experienced severe delays. Bus networks reduced operations in sections of the city hardest hit by the storm, and emergency crews worked to keep essential routes clear as conditions deteriorated throughout the morning commute.

The storm’s impact extended beyond transport, with power utilities reporting extensive outages across central and coastal regions. Massachusetts was hardest hit, where more than a quarter-million customers lost electricity, while grid operators in New Jersey and Delaware documented widespread interruptions as downed power lines and fallen trees hampered restoration efforts. Emergency response teams from multiple states were mobilised to assist in clearing roads and restoring services.

Residents contended with the harsh conditions as snowdrifts towered over sidewalks and vehicles were buried in neighbourhoods. Some communities established warming centres and emergency shelters to support vulnerable populations, particularly in urban areas where prolonged outages left people without heating. Local officials warned that cleanup and recovery could take several days, with blizzard conditions expected to persist in peripheral areas even as the core of the storm begins to move offshore.

Economic activity was sharply curtailed as businesses shuttered and commuters stayed home. Broadway shows in New York were cancelled, and food delivery services temporarily halted operations amid hazardous street conditions and bans on non-essential travel. Retail outlets and offices closed in anticipation of the storm’s peak, underscoring the broad ripple effects on daily commerce and services across the metropolitan corridor.

Emergency services faced intense demand as traffic accidents, weather-related calls and rescue operations surged. Authorities continually updated advisories, emphasising that roads would remain dangerous until crews could sufficiently clear snow and ice. Public health officials also cautioned residents about the risks of prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures, urging neighbours to check on elderly and vulnerable individuals isolated by the extreme weather.