Additional Coverage:
- Historic blizzard of 2026 smashes snow records as millions begin to dig out from vicious bomb cyclone (foxweather.com)
Northeast Digs Out After Historic “Blizzard of 2026” Unleashes Fury
The Northeast is slowly but surely digging itself out from under a historic snowstorm, already being dubbed “The Blizzard of 2026.” The departing bomb cyclone left a trail of hurricane-force wind gusts, record-breaking snowfall, and widespread power outages, affecting hundreds of thousands across the region.
At its peak, over 40 million people in eight states were under Blizzard Warnings as the storm “bombed out” offshore. More than 600,000 customers were plunged into darkness, and over 11,000 U.S. flights were canceled through Tuesday. While the last flakes fell in New England in the early hours of Tuesday, much of the region remains buried in snow.
Southern areas like New York City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia began their cleanup efforts sooner as the storm moved north on Monday. Many travel bans have been lifted, and some mass transit systems, which had been shut down, are gradually resuming service. However, authorities warn that black ice will pose a significant hazard for the Tuesday morning commute due to an overnight refreeze.
The sprawling system delivered “jackpot” snow totals, with some areas seeing 2-3 feet of accumulation. Southeast Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and eastern Long Island, New York, were among the hardest hit.
Massachusetts and Rhode Island Bear the Brunt
Massachusetts continues to grapple with the aftermath, with over 250,000 customers still without power early Tuesday. Boston recorded 17.1 inches of snow on Monday, and a snow emergency remains in effect.
Public schools are closed, while city offices and community centers will open on a delayed schedule at noon. Subway, bus, commuter rail, and ferry services are operating with reduced schedules.
The National Weather Service office in Norton reported a staggering 31.8 inches of snow, with Berkley close behind at 31 inches.
Rhode Island experienced the most significant snowfall, with a travel ban still in place. Providence set an all-time record with 37.1 inches of snow, while Warwick, North Kingston, Glocester, and Central Falls all saw over 31 inches. Connecticut, however, lifted its travel ban Monday night.
New York and New Jersey Recover
Long Island, New York, also saw impressive snow totals, including 29.1 inches in Islip. A travel ban in Suffolk County was lifted Monday afternoon, with county buses scheduled to resume operation at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday.
New York City subways are experiencing some residual delays, and the heavily used Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road, and NJ Transit commuter lines have resumed service with modified schedules. Central Park received 19.7 inches of snow, placing it among the city’s top 10 snowstorms on record. Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s rare citywide travel ban for non-essential vehicles was lifted at noon on Monday, and public school students, who enjoyed their first full snow day since 2019, returned to in-person classes Tuesday.
Newark, New Jersey, just west of New York City, recorded its second-biggest snowstorm with 27.1 inches of snow after a heavy snowband lingered over the region Monday night. Central and southern parts of the state, including the Jersey Shore, also saw substantial accumulations, with Freehold reporting 22.2 inches, Toms River over 12 inches, and Atlantic City more than 14 inches by Monday morning.
Philadelphia and Delaware Face Challenges
Philadelphia lifted its snow emergency at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday after more than 14 inches of snow.
The city’s Streets Department continues its snow plow operation with over 1,000 personnel and 800 trucks. Officials warn of reduced visibility due to blowing snow and advise caution for those who must travel.
In Delaware, the Department of Transportation reported Monday that nearly 100 roads in Kent and Sussex Counties are blocked by downed trees or power lines, with many others in poor condition due to snow. A Level 3 driving ban remains in effect in Sussex and Kent Counties, with only essential personnel allowed to drive in New Castle County.
Tragic Loss in Maryland, Political Delays in D.C.
Tragically, two people were killed in Sunderland, Maryland, on Sunday afternoon when a tree fell on their car as the nor’easter began to hit the region. A third person was critically injured.
In Washington D.C., the Senate and House postponed key votes to Tuesday due to the severe weather.