What Happened
A historic winter storm has impacted the East Coast, placing over 40 million people under blizzard warnings as of Monday. The storm is expected to be one of the largest in nearly a decade, with blizzard warnings stretching from Maryland to Maine. States of emergency have been declared in eight states and several major cities, with some areas accumulating over 2 feet of snow.
Why It Matters
This storm marks the first blizzard warning for New York City in nine years, with Central Park recording 19.7 inches of snow and parts of Brooklyn and Queens receiving 20 inches. Long Island saw even higher totals, with Central Islip reporting 31 inches. The storm has been classified as the ninth largest in New York City history, dating back to 1869. Travel bans have been implemented in New Jersey, New York City, and parts of Massachusetts to ensure safety and facilitate emergency responses.
What’s Next
As the storm continues to affect the region, officials are urging residents to stay off the roads. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has enacted a travel ban for non-essential vehicles in several counties, with fines for violations. Emergency crews are actively working to clear roads, and additional National Guard members have been activated to assist with the response. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as snow and strong winds persist.
