February 24, 2026 — Northeast United States A historic bomb cyclone blizzard known as Winter Storm Hernando struck from February 22 to 24, dumping up to 3 feet of snow in parts of New England and exceeding 24 inches from Philadelphia to Cape Cod, according to multiple reports.
Blizzard warnings covered over 40 million people across more than 600-700 miles of the East Coast, prompting widespread disruptions including New York City’s first travel ban in over a decade, over 10,000 flight cancellations, power outages for hundreds of thousands, and states of emergency in New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
Snow accumulations reached extreme levels, with 37.9 inches reported in Providence, Rhode Island, burying the region in heavy powder amid strong winds and whiteout conditions. The storm paralyzed travel from Maryland to Maine, with road bans affecting millions in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and beyond, as detailed by The Guardian.
Snow accumulation in Providence, Rhode Island, totaling 37.9 inches (Washington Post photo).
Air travel ground to a halt, with thousands of flights canceled, while power outages left hundreds of thousands without electricity. CNN reported the Northeast reeling from overnight and Monday impacts, with additional snow looming.
Real-time updates on X highlighted the storm’s ferocity. FOX Weather warned of blizzard conditions for 40 million including New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. AFP noted New York City’s travel ban amid expected 18-24 inches of snow. Users reported thundersnow and over 2 feet of accumulation in Manhattan, Philadelphia, Boston, and Hartford.
New York Times live updates described record snowfall burying New England, while Associated Press covered millions homebound. BBC confirmed 59 million under warnings at peak, with Massachusetts counties like Cape Cod under bans.
