Flights halted, highways shut: Powerful winter storm hits US, blizzard warnings pile up — all you need to know
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A powerful winter storm swept across the US Northeast, bringing blizzard conditions, travel bans, and widespread cancellations. From New York City to Massachusetts, up to two feet of snow and strong winds reduced visibility and disrupted daily life. The storm's rapid intensification surprised forecasters, potentially classifying it as a "bomb cyclone." Areas from Maryland to Massachusetts faced blizzard warnings, affecting over 35 million people. New York City and New Jersey implemented travel emergencies, with non-essential travel banned in NYC from Sunday evening until Monday noon. Airlines canceled thousands of flights, including Air India's services to New York and Newark, as airports like JFK and LaGuardia were severely impacted.
The storm's unexpected strength caught meteorologists off guard. By Friday afternoon, models shifted to a stronger outcome, predicting heavy snow and northeast winds. Snowfall predictions ranged from 16 inches in NYC to 24 inches in parts of Massachusetts, possibly setting new records. Wind gusts up to 55 mph were forecast, along with coastal flooding risks in New Jersey and New York. States of emergency were declared across multiple states, including New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
The storm's impact extended beyond travel disruptions, with Broadway shows canceled and landmarks like Arlington National Cemetery closing. Emergency alerts urged
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026