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Historic Blizzard Grips Northeast, Shattering Records

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. blizzard-grips-northeast-shattering-records.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 22:12 GMT by Associated Press
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

New York, NY - February 24, 2026 - A historic blizzard, now being dubbed "The Valentine's Day Storm" due to its proximity to the recent holiday, continues to grip the Northeastern United States, exceeding initial forecasts and causing widespread disruption to travel, commerce, and daily life. What began as a predicted major snowstorm has escalated into a full-blown crisis, prompting governors across multiple states - New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey among them - to declare states of emergency.

The storm, fueled by a rare confluence of Arctic air and moisture-laden winds from the Atlantic, began impacting the region late Monday night and rapidly intensified overnight. Snowfall rates peaked at an astonishing 4-6 inches per hour in many areas, leading to near-zero visibility and rapidly accumulating drifts. As of 8:00 AM EST today, February 24th, record snowfall totals have already been broken in several cities. Buffalo, New York, reports 42 inches of snow, surpassing its previous record for a single-day snowfall set in 1977. Boston, Massachusetts, has accumulated 38 inches, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is reporting over 30 inches.

Travel Chaos Intensifies: The transportation infrastructure of the Northeast is at a standstill. All major airports - JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Boston Logan, and Philadelphia International - have suspended all flights until further notice. Over 4,000 flights have been cancelled nationwide, and thousands more are delayed indefinitely. Amtrak has also halted all Northeast Corridor rail service, leaving passengers stranded at stations.

The situation on the roads is even more dire. State police are reporting hundreds of accidents and numerous motorists stranded in snowdrifts. Many interstate highways, including I-95, I-80, and the Massachusetts Turnpike, have been closed to all but emergency vehicles. Snowplow crews are working tirelessly, but are struggling to keep pace with the relentless snowfall and strong winds, which are creating blizzard conditions and rendering many roads impassable. Local authorities are urging residents to avoid all non-essential travel and to stay off the roads to allow emergency services to operate effectively.

Extreme Cold & Power Outages: The storm is not just about snow. Bitterly cold temperatures, exacerbated by powerful winds gusting up to 70 mph, are creating dangerously low wind chill values. The National Weather Service has issued wind chill warnings for the entire Northeast, with temperatures expected to plummet to -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit overnight. These conditions pose a serious threat of hypothermia and frostbite, even with brief exposure.

Compounding the challenges, the heavy snow and strong winds are causing widespread power outages. Over 1.5 million homes and businesses are currently without electricity, and utility companies are bracing for prolonged outages. Emergency shelters have been opened in many communities to provide warmth and assistance to those affected. The Red Cross is mobilizing volunteers and resources to support relief efforts. Concerns are growing regarding access to heating fuel, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Beyond Immediate Impacts: The long-term consequences of this blizzard are still unfolding. Experts predict significant economic losses due to business closures, disrupted supply chains, and the cost of snow removal and repairs. Schools across the region are expected to remain closed for several days, impacting millions of students and families. The weight of the snow is also raising concerns about structural damage to roofs and buildings. Engineers are assessing the risks and urging property owners to take preventative measures.

The Valentine's Day Storm is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. While meteorologists had predicted a significant snowstorm, the intensity and duration of this event exceeded expectations, highlighting the increasing challenges of forecasting extreme weather events in a changing climate. Investigations are underway to analyze the storm's formation and improve future forecasting models.