Feb. 24, 2026 — New York A powerful bomb cyclone and nor’easter, named Winter Storm Hernando by The Weather Channel, struck the Northeast United States from February 22 to 24, dumping up to 3 feet of snow in parts of New England, including record accumulations in Rhode Island, while delivering 15 to 24+ inches across New York City and surrounding areas.
The storm caused widespread power outages affecting more than 500,000 customers, particularly in Massachusetts and New Jersey, alongside over 10,000 flight cancellations nationwide, according to FlightAware data cited in coverage. Travel bans were enforced in New York City, New Jersey, Rhode Island and other regions, with school closures across New York City, Boston and beyond, leading to major traffic snarls and shutdowns.
Photos show heavy snow accumulations in New York areas like Islip and Stony Brook, with Central Park buried under more than 15 inches. (Fox Weather)
As blizzard warnings expired in areas including New York City and Portland, Maine, cleanup efforts began amid ongoing threats of additional snow. Live updates from The New York Times noted schools reopening in some locations, while CNN coverage highlighted the first NYC blizzard warning in nearly a decade and impacts on 40 million people under warnings.
ABC News chief meteorologist Ginger Zee documented the storm’s intensity, including video of massive snowfall exceeding 1 foot and an empty West Side Highway due to bans. Fox News shared visuals of New York City blanketed in snow, emphasizing whiteout conditions and power outage risks.
USA Today and NBC News reported on the dangerous travel conditions affecting millions, with BBC confirming over 5,500 flight cancellations and persistent outages. The event is detailed in the Wikipedia entry on the February 2026 North American blizzard.
