More than 5,000 flights cancelled as US east coast digs out of record snow
BBC World
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A severe snowstorm brought record-breaking snowfall to the US east coast, causing widespread disruptions. Over 5,000 flights were canceled, and millions faced travel chaos as regions like Rhode Island and Massachusetts experienced historic snow accumulations. Parts of Rhode Island saw nearly 33 inches (83 cm) of snow, shattering previous records, while New York’s Central Park recorded over 19 inches. Power outages affected hundreds of thousands, with New Jersey and Massachusetts particularly hard-hit. Travel bans were implemented in several states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as “near impossible” travel conditions were reported.
The storm, described as a bomb cyclone, brought winter warnings from North Carolina to northern Maine and parts of eastern Canada. Snowfall was expected to reach up to 2 feet (61 cm) near the northeast coastline by Tuesday morning. In Rhode Island, the smallest state in the US, snowfall reached 33 inches, making it the worst snowstorm on record. Massachusetts also faced significant disruptions, with nearly 300,000 without power, including 85% of customers in Barnstable County, home to Cape Cod.
Transportation chaos was widespread, with New York City brought to a near standstill before travel restrictions were lifted. Airports across the region, including LaGuardia and JFK in New York, saw nearly all flights canceled. Boston’s Logan International Airport and Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey also reported significant cancellations, with Philadelphia International Airport cutting 81% of its flights. The storm highlighted the challenges posed by extreme weather events to infrastructure and daily life.
The situation underscored the broader impact of severe winter storms on global transportation networks and urban resilience. As climate patterns shift, such events are expected to become more frequent, raising questions about preparedness
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/23/2026