A fierce winter storm brought New York City and large parts of the northeastern United States to a standstill. From travel bans to school closures and emergency declarations, here’s a look at how the most populous city in the US came to a halt.
1 / 7Travel Ban Across New York City | A fierce winter storm left millions in New York City and large parts of the northeastern United States indoors, disrupting travel and daily life. Residents received emergency push alerts announcing a ban on non-emergency travel on all streets through noon Monday due to “dangerous blizzard conditions.” Roads remained largely empty as authorities urged people to stay home. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 7Blizzard Warnings from Maryland to Maine | Blizzard warnings covered a wide stretch of the Northeast. The National Weather Service reported that many areas could receive 1 to 2 feet of snow, with visibility dropping sharply in heavy snow bands. Meteorologist Frank Pereira said the storm could meet the definition of a “bomb cyclone,” which occurs when pressure drops at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. He warned conditions were expected to deteriorate rapidly overnight. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 7States Impose Restrictions and Declare Emergencies | Similar travel restrictions were implemented in Rhode Island and New Jersey as officials tried to keep roads clear for emergency services. Emergency declarations were issued in states from Delaware to Massachusetts, as well as in cities including Philadelphia, as authorities mobilised resources. (Image: AP)
4 / 7Transport, Broadway and Landmarks Shut Down | Regional airports reported widespread cancellations and delays. Public transit services were suspended in some areas. Food delivery platform DoorDash paused overnight deliveries in the city, according to AP. Broadway shows were cancelled Sunday evening. Major institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and Arlington National Cemetery also announced closures. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 7Schools Shut in Major Cities | Public schools in New York City and Boston cancelled classes for Monday, while Philadelphia shifted to online learning. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani described it as the “first old-school snow day since 2019,” urging residents to stay safe and indoors. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 7Risk of Whiteouts and Power Outages | The weather service warned that strong wind gusts combined with heavy, wet snow could cause whiteout conditions, damaged trees and prolonged power outages. Snowfall rates were expected to reach up to 2 inches per hour in some areas before tapering off. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 7Snow Crews Mobilise Across Long Island | City officials recruited additional workers to support plough operations. On Long Island, snow removal companies prepared equipment and crews for extended shifts, anticipating days of round-the-clock work to clear roads, shopping centres and industrial parks. (Image: Reuters)
