Historic blizzard targets US northeast as NYC bans all travel
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A historic winter storm, one of the most powerful nor'easters in years, is battering the US Northeast, leaving 54 million people under blizzard warnings and prompting widespread travel restrictions. New York City has imposed a full travel ban, marking the first time in nine years that the city has faced such extreme conditions. The storm is expected to bring up to 28 inches of snow in some areas, with wind gusts reaching nearly 70 mph, leading to power outages and potential coastal flooding. Schools and transportation systems have been shut down, and non-essential vehicles are banned from roads during the storm.
States including New York, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Rhode Island have declared states of emergency, with governors activating National Guard units to assist with response efforts. The storm is expected to impact a vast region, stretching from coastal Maine to the Central Appalachians, with snowfall warnings also affecting parts of Canada's Maritimes. Forecasters warn that this storm could be the strongest in decades for many areas, with some regions experiencing snowfall and wind conditions not seen since 1996.
The severe weather has already caused significant disruptions, including over 3,500 flight cancellations across the US. In New York City, temperatures are expected to drop to around -6°C (20°F), and the city’s infrastructure is bracing for the worst snowfall in recent memory. Emergency officials have urged residents to stay home, as downed tree limbs and power outages are likely, further complicating rescue operations.
This storm comes after a series of extreme weather events, including a cold snap earlier this year that claimed 19 lives. With wind speeds reaching up to 70 mph along the coast, the storm is expected to cause widespread disruptions
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026