Powerful Winter Storm Shuts Schools and Halts Travel Across US Northeast

Post by : Saif Nasser

A powerful winter storm has brought heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions to the northeastern United States. The storm has forced schools to close, flights to be canceled, and public transport systems to shut down across several states.

In New York City, the largest public school district in the country, officials declared a traditional snow day. All public school buildings were closed, and after-school programs were canceled. There was no remote learning for students. City offices also closed for in-person services, and many government workers were told to work from home.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a state of emergency as snowfall increased. He ordered non-essential vehicles off city roads from Sunday night until noon Monday. Officials said snowplows and emergency crews needed clear streets to manage the storm safely. The city is under its first blizzard warning since 2017.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul activated 100 National Guard members to help in areas expected to be hit hardest, including Long Island, New York City, and the Lower Hudson Valley. These areas are facing heavy snow and strong coastal winds.

Other states in the region also declared emergencies. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey asked state workers to stay home. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced a statewide emergency and urged residents to take the storm seriously. Connecticut placed restrictions on commercial vehicles on major highways, allowing only emergency and essential deliveries.

Weather officials warned that some parts of the Northeast could receive up to two feet of snow. Wind gusts may reach 70 miles per hour. Such strong winds increase the risk of falling trees and power outages.

The storm has severely disrupted air travel. Flight tracking website FlightAware reported more than 5,000 flight cancellations for Monday alone. Thousands of additional flights scheduled for Tuesday are also at risk, especially at major airports in the Northeast.

Public transportation systems have also been affected. NJ TRANSIT suspended bus, light rail, and statewide rail services. Services will only resume when weather conditions improve. In Rhode Island, public transit services, including special transport for disabled passengers, were also suspended.

The United Nations headquarters in Manhattan closed due to the storm. Officials said safety was the top priority.

The U.S. Postal Service warned that mail delivery could be delayed because of the weather. Snow-covered roads and flight cancellations may slow the movement of packages and letters.

The Department of Homeland Security said that despite funding challenges, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues its disaster response work. Emergency teams remain active to protect lives and property.

Winter storms are common in the Northeast, but this one stands out because of its intensity and wide impact. Heavy snowfall, high winds, and freezing temperatures create dangerous driving conditions. Authorities have repeatedly asked people to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary.

Such storms can cause both short-term and long-term problems. In the short term, they disrupt daily life, close businesses, and delay travel. In the long term, they can damage infrastructure and increase costs for cleanup and repairs.

Experts say preparation is key. Residents are advised to stock up on food, water, and emergency supplies. People should also check on elderly neighbors and those who may need extra help.

As the storm continues, officials are closely monitoring conditions. Snowplows are working around the clock, and emergency teams are ready to respond to power outages or accidents.

For now, safety remains the main concern. With schools closed, offices shut, and travel disrupted, the message from leaders across the region is clear: stay indoors and wait until the storm passes.