What Happened
The Northeast United States is grappling with the aftermath of a historic winter storm that has left many areas buried under significant snowfall. The National Weather Service reported that some regions experienced snow totals exceeding 40 inches, with blizzard warnings affecting over 40 million people from Maryland to Maine. As of February 24, 2026, states of emergency have been declared in multiple states, including New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts, due to the storm’s severe impact.
Why It Matters
This winter storm is notable for being one of the strongest nor’easters in nearly a decade, causing widespread power outages and travel disruptions. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses are without power, and travel bans were enforced in major urban areas, including New York City. The storm has been recorded as the ninth largest in New York City history, with Central Park accumulating 19.7 inches of snow and parts of Brooklyn and Queens receiving 20 inches. Providence, Rhode Island, reported a record-breaking 37.9 inches of snow.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, the snow storm weather forecast indicates that additional snowfall is expected across the Northeast as a clipper system moves through the region. This system is anticipated to bring more snow to areas from northern Minnesota to New England, with potential rain-snow mixes in southern cities like Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. As communities begin to dig out from the blizzard, forecasters warn that any cleared streets and sidewalks may become snow-covered again, particularly from Pennsylvania to Maine.
