A massive blizzard slammed the US east coast from February 22 to 23, cancelling more than 5,000 flights and burying parts of the Northeast under up to three feet of snow. The storm, called Winter Storm Hernando or the Blizzard of 2026, hit over 65 million people with heavy snow, fierce winds, and coastal flooding. It shut down airports, knocked out power for nearly 600,000 homes, and killed at least two people.
Key Takeaways
- More than 5,000 flights got cancelled across major East Coast airports like Newark, Logan, and T.F. Green.
- Snow totals smashed records: 32.8 inches in Providence, RI; 29.5 inches in Babylon, NY; 27.9 inches in Carlstadt, NJ.
- Nearly 600,000 lost power, mostly in New Jersey and New York, with wind gusts up to 83 mph.
- States of emergency declared in several states; schools closed and travel bans issued.
Background
The storm started brewing days before it hit. A low-pressure system formed off the Southeast coast on February 21. It strengthened fast—what experts call a bomb cyclone. By February 22, it tracked up the coast, dropping heavy snow from Virginia to Maine. Winds picked up speed offshore. Snowfall rates hit 1 to 2 inches per hour in the worst bands. Thundersnow even popped up in spots, with lightning amid the flakes.
This wasn't the first big snow this winter. Boston already got over 23 inches on January 25-26. But this one topped that easy. Southeastern Massachusetts saw over two feet. New Bedford measured 16.5 inches by early morning on the 23rd. Taunton hit 13 inches. Boston's Logan Airport logged 14.4 inches by afternoon, with more to come.
Governors acted quick. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency on February 22. She sent 200 National Guard troops to help. New Jersey's Governor Mikie Sherrill called it the worst since 1996. All 21 counties there got blizzard warnings. Rhode Island and others followed suit. Schools shut down across the region. Boston districts stayed closed into Tuesday, February 24.
The storm's path took it from the Mid-Atlantic to New England. It dumped a dusting even in western North Carolina. But the real hammer fell on the megalopolis from DC to Boston. Over 35 million people sat under blizzard warnings at peak. Alerts covered 65 million total. Coastal areas braced for flooding too. Watches went out for eastern Massachusetts, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket.
Key Details
Airports took the biggest hit. Over 5,000 flights scratched nationwide. Newark Liberty in New Jersey cancelled more than 800. That's where 27.1 inches fell—nearly the all-time record. Teterboro nearby saw blizzard conditions too. Rhode Island's T.F. Green shut down completely for February 23. Logan in Boston kept running but with massive delays. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky saw 58 cancellations.
Snow and Wind Records Shattered
Snow piles grew fast. Providence, Rhode Island, set a new single-day record at 32.8 inches. That beat the 1978 blizzard's 28.6 inches by over four inches. It was their snowiest two-day total ever too. Babylon, New York, got 29.5 inches. Carlstadt, New Jersey, measured 27.9. Langhorne Borough, Pennsylvania, saw 22.3. Long Neck, Delaware, hit 21. Southeastern Massachusetts topped two feet in spots.
Winds howled. Gusts reached hurricane force in places. Wellfleet, Massachusetts, clocked 77 mph. Nantucket hit 83 mph. Hull saw 70 mph. Logan got 68 mph. Those blasts downed power lines. Nearly 600,000 customers went dark. New Jersey and New York bore the brunt. Trees snapped. Roads turned to ice.
Travel ground to a halt. Travel bans hit southeastern Massachusetts. Plows couldn't keep up. Visibility dropped to near zero in whiteouts. Two deaths confirmed by February 23. Details sparse, but the storm's fury clear.
Power crews worked nonstop. But gusts kept knocking lines. Coastal flooding added pain. Waves crashed shores. Some spots saw minor surges.
"This is likely the worst storm New Jersey's seen since 1996," Governor Mikie Sherrill said Sunday. "All counties under blizzard warnings. Stay off the roads."
Roads stayed treacherous into Tuesday. Schools remained shut. National Guard helped clear paths. The storm pushed northeast to Canada by late February 23. But cleanup just began. For more on recent Northeast weather woes, check our coverage of the Nor’easter bringing blizzard warnings to NYC and the historic blizzard paralyzing the tri-state area.
What This Means
Millions face days of digging out. Power restoration could take a week in hard-hit spots. Schools won't reopen soon. Businesses lost revenue. Airlines scramble to reconnect passengers. Stranded travelers fill hotels—or sleep in terminals.
Commuters deal with blocked roads. Plow trucks run round the clock. Salt trucks follow. But two to three feet? That's a monster job. Coastal towns fix flood damage. Insurers brace for claims.
This storm highlights winter's bite. Even in late February. Climate patterns shift, but nor'easters pack punch. Bomb cyclones form quick. Hard to predict exact totals. But this one delivered.
Economy feels it. Shipping delays. Workers can't commute. Events cancelled. Sports on hold. The cleanup bill runs high. Federal aid might flow to worst areas.
Residents adapt. Neighbors shovel together. Generators hum. Communities rally. But cold lingers. Temps stay below freezing. More snow possible later this week.
Air travel rebounds slow. Airlines rebook flights. But backlogs build. Passengers wait days. Some rent cars. Others take trains—if they run.
Power companies promise quick fixes. But wind keeps hampering crews. Rural areas wait longest. Heat, light, fridge—all out.
This blizzard joins history books. Records fell like snowflakes. Northeast won't forget 2026's big one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flights were cancelled due to the blizzard?
More than 5,000 flights across East Coast airports. Newark saw over 800 alone. Logan and T.F. Green faced massive disruptions too.
What are the highest snow totals reported?
Providence, RI: 32.8 inches— a new record. Babylon, NY: 29.5 inches. Carlstadt, NJ: 27.9 inches. Many spots over two feet.
Are schools closed today?
Yes, Boston and many Massachusetts districts stay shut Tuesday, February 24. Check local alerts for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flights were cancelled due to the blizzard?
More than 5,000 flights across East Coast airports. Newark saw over 800 alone. Logan and T.F. Green faced massive disruptions too.
What are the highest snow totals reported?
Providence, RI: 32.8 inches—a new record. Babylon, NY: 29.5 inches. Carlstadt, NJ: 27.9 inches. Many spots over two feet.
Are schools closed today?
Yes, Boston and many Massachusetts districts stay shut Tuesday, February 24. Check local alerts for updates.
