A historic nor'easter is grinding the Northeast to a halt, bringing blizzard conditions, tropical storm-force winds, and up to two feet of snow to New York City and surrounding areas. The storm, unofficially named Winter Storm Hernando by the Weather Channel, is the most significant weather event to hit the region in years, with officials warning it could be the worst blizzard New York City has experienced since 2017.
Key Takeaways
- A major nor'easter is dumping 12-24 inches of snow across the Tri-State Area with blizzard conditions expected through Monday morning
- NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a citywide travel ban starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, with similar restrictions in New Jersey and Connecticut
- Wind gusts are reaching 40-60 mph, creating whiteout conditions and threatening to down power lines across the region
- This is NYC's first blizzard warning since 2017 and could bring the heaviest snow the city has seen in over five years
Background
The nor'easter originated from a shortwave trough that moved ashore on the West Coast on February 20 before rapidly pushing eastward across the country. A new surface low developed off the southeastern United States early on February 22 and began moving north, eventually turning into the nor'easter that's now battering the Northeast.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for 22 counties in New York on February 21, activating over 100 members of the National Guard. The governor warned residents that the transition to heavy, wet snow would happen quickly and could knock out power across the region.
"Long Island, New York City and Lower Hudson Valley are literally in the direct eye of the storm." – Governor Kathy Hochul
This storm arrives just weeks after a January nor'easter that also impacted the region, but this system is expected to be far more severe. Officials have been preparing for days, with the National Weather Service issuing blizzard warnings for the first time in several years for much of the Interstate 95 corridor.
Key Details
Snow Totals and Timing
The heaviest snow is falling between 7 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. Monday, with snowfall rates reaching 2-3 inches per hour at times. Long Island and the Jersey Shore are expected to see 18-24 inches of snow, while New York City and the rest of the Tri-State are forecast to receive at least 12-18 inches.
The storm started with light to moderate snow Sunday morning but intensified dramatically as the day progressed. By late Sunday night, conditions had become treacherous, with near-zero visibility in many areas.
Travel Bans and Closures
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a citywide travel ban starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, prohibiting all nonessential travel. Similar bans were issued on Long Island, in Westchester County, and across New Jersey, with various end times on Monday.
A commercial vehicle and tractor-trailer ban went into effect at 4 p.m. on February 22 for Interstate 84 and points south, including the New York State Thruway. The Long Island Rail Road announced it would operate a Sunday schedule on February 23, while Metro-North Railroad planned hourly service on the Harlem, New Haven, and Hudson lines.
Public schools across New York City were closed, and public libraries in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx shut down ahead of the storm.
Wind and Coastal Threats
Wind gusts are expected to reach 40-60 mph or higher, particularly along coastal areas. When combined with the heavy, wet snow, these winds are threatening to down trees and power lines across the region, potentially leaving thousands without electricity.
Blizzard warnings extend to all of New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, most of New Jersey, and southern Connecticut. Blizzard conditions are likely between 9 p.m. Sunday and 3 a.m. Monday throughout the entire Tri-State Area. A blizzard is officially declared when wind gusts combined with falling or blowing snow reach at least 35 mph and visibility drops below a quarter mile for at least three hours.
Coastal flood warnings are in effect across all three states, with a coastal flood watch issued for the eastern coast of Massachusetts, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket.
Rare Weather Phenomena
Forecasters are warning of the possibility of thundersnow—a rare phenomenon where lightning and thunder occur during heavy snowfall. The heavy snow will muffle the sound, so it can only be heard up to about three miles away.
What This Means
This nor'easter represents a potentially historic weather event for the Northeast. New York City hasn't experienced a blizzard warning since 2017, and Long Island hasn't seen one since 2022. If snowfall reaches the predicted levels, NYC could see its heaviest snow in over five years, surpassing the 17.4 inches that fell in early February 2021.
The Winter Storm Severity Index currently ranks New York City, all of Long Island, and much of New Jersey as the most impacted areas by the time the system moves out Monday afternoon.
Emergency officials are urging residents to stay home and off the roads so crews can clear streets and salt roadways, and so first responders can reach emergencies safely. The combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and potential power outages means residents should prepare for extended periods without electricity and limited access to services.
In Philadelphia, a "code blue" was declared from February 22-25, citing below-freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Warming centers were opened for the homeless population. The School District of Philadelphia switched to virtual learning for February 23.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy declared a state of emergency, and 200 troops from the Massachusetts National Guard were deployed. School districts across New England announced closures and delays for February 23.
The New York City Department of Sanitation moved to a 12-hour schedule with 5,000 workers beginning February 22, preparing salt and snowplow operations ahead of the storm. The city began these preparations on Saturday, February 21, knowing the severity of what was coming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this storm different from other winter storms?
This nor'easter is bringing blizzard conditions—a specific weather phenomenon combining heavy snow, strong winds, and near-zero visibility. The combination of 2-3 inches of snow per hour with 40-60 mph wind gusts creates whiteout conditions that make travel nearly impossible. Additionally, the wet, heavy snow is more likely to damage trees and power lines than lighter, fluffier snow.
Why did officials issue travel bans?
Travel bans allow emergency crews to clear roads and salt roadways without dealing with traffic. They also enable first responders to reach emergencies more quickly. When visibility drops to near zero and winds are gusting at 60 mph, driving becomes extremely dangerous, and stranded vehicles can block emergency access routes.
How long will the storm last?
The heaviest snow is expected between 7 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. Monday, with the worst blizzard conditions likely between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. The system should move out of the region by Monday afternoon, though lingering snow bands are possible into early Monday evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this storm different from other winter storms?
This nor’easter is bringing blizzard conditions—a specific weather phenomenon combining heavy snow, strong winds, and near-zero visibility. The combination of 2-3 inches of snow per hour with 40-60 mph wind gusts creates whiteout conditions that make travel nearly impossible. Additionally, the wet, heavy snow is more likely to damage trees and power lines than lighter, fluffier snow.
Why did officials issue travel bans?
Travel bans allow emergency crews to clear roads and salt roadways without dealing with traffic. They also enable first responders to reach emergencies more quickly. When visibility drops to near zero and winds are gusting at 60 mph, driving becomes extremely dangerous, and stranded vehicles can block emergency access routes.
How long will the storm last?
The heaviest snow is expected between 7 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. Monday, with the worst blizzard conditions likely between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. The system should move out of the region by Monday afternoon, though lingering snow bands are possible into early Monday evening.
