The Blizzard Has Snarled Transit in the Northeast

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by Andy Newman

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A powerful blizzard brought heavy snow and high winds to the East Coast, causing widespread disruptions to public transit systems from New Jersey to Massachusetts. Subways, trains, buses, and airports were significantly impacted, with many services suspended or severely delayed. In New York City, NJ Transit halted all train, bus, and light rail services Sunday night, suspending operations until conditions improve. The Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad also reduced or halted service, while city subways ran with delays or operated on a local-only basis. Articulated buses were removed from service, and city buses faced delays as well. The storm’s impact extended to roads and air travel, with nonessential driving banned in New York City until noon and over 5,500 flights canceled across major airports like JFK, Newark, Philadelphia, and Boston. Amtrak trains on the northeast corridor between Boston and Washington were also affected, with many canceled but some still running. Transit authorities in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania further reduced or suspended services, adding to the region-wide disruption. This storm highlights the challenges severe weather poses to transportation networks, particularly in densely populated areas reliant on public transit. The disruptions affect not only daily commuters but also emergency response efforts and regional economies. As winter storms continue to impact the East Coast, understanding their effects on infrastructure becomes increasingly important for residents and travelers alike.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026