Huge northeast US snowstorm forces millions home; disrupts schools, flights
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A massive snowstorm caused widespread disruption across the northeast United States, forcing millions to stay home, closing schools, and canceling thousands of flights. The storm, described by meteorologists as one of the most powerful in a decade, brought record-breaking snowfall to areas like New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, with some regions receiving over 36 inches (91 cm) of snow. This severe weather event led to power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of residents, road closures, and halted mass transit systems in major cities.
In New York City, schools were temporarily closed on Monday, but authorities announced a return to in-person classes the following day despite challenges posed by impassable roads and sidewalks. Airports in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts faced significant disruptions, with over 2,000 flights canceled on Tuesday alone. Rhode Island’s TF Green International Airport even suspended operations entirely after receiving nearly 38 inches (97 cm) of snow, breaking a record set in 1978. The storm also brought hurricane-force winds, with the strongest gust recorded at 134 km/h (83 mph) in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
The storm system, known as a "bomb cyclone" due to its rapid drop in atmospheric pressure, wreaked havoc on daily life and infrastructure. Emergency declarations were issued in major cities and states, including New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Even the Boston Globe, a historic newspaper, halted its print publication for the first time in over 150 years as staff couldn’t safely reach their printing facility amidst the blizzard conditions.
As the snow began to subside in some areas on Tuesday, authorities worked tirelessly to restore power, reopen roads, and resume transit services. However, the National Weather Service warned of another potential storm system arriving later in the week, which could bring even more snowfall to an already strained region. This ongoing disruption highlights the significant challenges posed by extreme weather events, not only to daily life but also to infrastructure and preparedness.
The impact of this snowstorm underscores the vulnerability of urban areas to severe weather conditions. For readers interested in global news, this event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter storms and their ability to disrupt transportation, commerce, and public services on a large scale. The recovery efforts and challenges faced by affected communities also highlight the importance of preparedness for such events.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026