Mon Feb 23 05:12:01 UTC 2026: ### Northeast U.S. Crippled by Massive Blizzard; New York City Shuts Down

The Story:
A major snowstorm has brought the northeastern United States to a standstill, prompting New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to order a city-wide shutdown of the traffic network beginning February 22, 2026. The storm, forecast to bring up to two feet (60 centimeters) of snow in some areas, is expected to create blizzard conditions from Maryland to southeastern New England. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of “extremely treacherous” travel conditions, with snow falling at a rate of two to three inches per hour.

The storm, impacting an estimated 54 million people, is also causing power outages, with over 22,895 customers already without power in New Jersey as of 7:30 p.m. local time. Public schools and municipal buildings are closed in Boston, and states of emergency have been declared in New Jersey and New York to facilitate resource deployment.

Key Points:

  • New York City ordered a traffic network shutdown from 9:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026 to noon Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • Up to two feet (60 centimeters) of snow is forecast in some areas of the Northeast.
  • The NWS warned of blizzard conditions and “extremely treacherous” travel.
  • Over 22,895 customers in New Jersey were without power as of 7:30 p.m. February 22, 2026.
  • Boston closed public schools and municipal buildings on February 23, 2026.
  • A previous devastating winter weather system just weeks earlier was linked to over 100 deaths.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Northeast U.S. is experiencing a severe winter storm, disrupting daily life and essential services.
  • Government officials are taking proactive measures, including traffic shutdowns and states of emergency, to mitigate the storm’s impact.
  • The storm highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure and the potential for widespread disruption during extreme weather events.
  • The timing of the storm, shortly after another deadly winter system, amplifies the sense of urgency and concern.
  • Air travel is significantly impacted, as evidenced by Air India canceling flights to New York and Newark.

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