35 million people under blizzard warning as storm hits Northeast
The Hill
by Max RegoFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A major winter storm is gripping the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, impacting 35 million people under blizzard warnings. The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported heavy snowfall rates of up to 2 to 3 inches per hour, creating hazardous conditions from Sunday evening into Monday. This severe weather event is disrupting travel, prompting travel advisories and school closures across the affected areas. With wind speeds expected to reach up to 50 mph in some regions, residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for potential power outages.
The storm’s intensity is notable even by winter standards, with snow accumulation projected to exceed 12 inches in parts of New Jersey and New York. Such high snowfall rates could lead to significant disruptions, including delays in emergency services and difficulty in clearing roads. Authorities have urged residents to stay informed through local news and weather updates, as the storm’s impact is expected to worsen over the weekend.
From a political perspective, this winter storm highlights the challenges of managing large-scale natural disasters. Local governments are under pressure to coordinate response efforts, allocate resources effectively, and ensure public safety. The storm also underscores the importance of infrastructure resilience, particularly in urban areas where transportation systems are critical for daily life. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, events like this remind policymakers of the need for robust disaster
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/23/2026