Winter Storm Forces Northeastern Schools Closures, Emergencies Across US

This powerful winter storm has left an indelible mark on northeastern United States, with snow, strong winds, and treacherous travel conditions set to disrupt lives for days. In New York City alone, Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a state of emergency, instructing non-essential vehicles off city roads from Sunday night until noon Monday. Snowfall is intensifying, necessitating thorough street clearing by plows and emergency crews.

City offices are closing for in-person services, while municipal employees may work remotely if necessary. “Please stay home,” Mamdani urged, as all public school buildings across the nation’s largest school district remain closed on Monday, a traditional snow day with no remote instruction or after-school programs. The storm has already snarled travel along the East Coast from Washington to New England, leaving airlines canceled thousands of flights and forcing officials to urge people to stay off roads.

The US Postal Service warned that winter weather may slow the processing, transport, and delivery of mail and packages. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York activated 100 National Guard members to assist in Long Island, New York City, and Lower Hudson Valley where they anticipate severe conditions with up to two feet of snow and wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph. The risk of falling trees and power outages looms large.

At the United Nations (UN) headquarters in Manhattan, travel was restricted as well, forcing closure on Monday.

Despite the ongoing funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FEMA’s disaster response work continues unbroken. Emergency operations and critical assistance for people affected by active disasters remain a top priority, ensuring life safety and property protection.

In Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey declared an emergency for state workers to stay home. Connecticut banned commercial vehicles from limited-access highways starting Sunday evening, with only essential deliveries exempted.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a statewide emergency effective noon Sunday, urging residents to take the storm seriously. “People need to take this very seriously,” she told CNN.

Air travel was hit early by cancellations; FlightAware showed more than 5,000 flights already canceled for Monday. Aviation analytics firm Cirium predicts additional flight cancellations as more than 25,000 departures are scheduled on the same day, with Tuesday’s cancellations expected at major Northeast airports.

NJ TRANSIT suspended bus, light rail, and Access Link services by Sunday evening, halting statewide rail operations until conditions improve. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority also suspended all service — including its RIde paratransit program — from Sunday night through Monday, announcing plans to resume service when conditions allow.

These measures reflect the storm’s far-reaching impact across the region and underscore the importance of preparedness and caution as northeastern communities brace for a significant weather event.