Feb. 23, 2026 — New York City and the Northeast United States — A powerful nor’easter classified as a bomb cyclone brought severe blizzard conditions to the region, with more than two feet of snow falling in parts of New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, leading to states of emergency in at least seven states, over 650,000 power outages and more than 10,000 flight cancellations.
Snow accumulations shattered records in several areas. Providence, Rhode Island, measured 32.8 inches, marking a state record, while Newark, New Jersey, received 27.1 inches and Montauk, New York, saw 28.1 inches. In New York City, Central Park recorded 19.7 inches, LaGuardia Airport 22.2 inches and JFK 19.8 inches.
Power outages affected more than 650,000 customers, with Massachusetts hardest hit at nearly 300,000, including 85% in Barnstable County, and New Jersey over 125,000. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey activated the National Guard and urged residents to check on neighbors.
States including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts declared emergencies. New York Governor Kathy Hochul activated resources for 22 counties, while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani lifted a citywide non-essential travel ban at noon ET but warned of icy roads.
“Conditions on the roads remain icy… stay safe and stay indoors as much as possible.”
— New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani
Travel bans persisted in parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Jersey, with public transit suspended in areas like New Jersey Transit and Long Island Rail Road. Over 10,000 flights were canceled, primarily at airports in New York, Boston and Newark.
Wind gusts reached 77 mph at Nantucket, Massachusetts, contributing to whiteout conditions and downed trees. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont described it as a “wicked Nor’easter.” Schools closed across the region, including New York City, and warming centers opened. No deaths were reported.
The storm impacted up to 59 million people under warnings from Maryland to Maine, halting normal activities and prompting widespread preparations.
