New York City has suspended its traffic network for all but emergency travel as a powerful winter storm bears down on the northeastern United States, threatening heavy snowfall, high winds and widespread disruption.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered streets, highways and bridges closed from 9:00 pm Sunday until noon Monday, declaring a state of emergency.
“New York City has not faced a storm of this scale in the last decade,” he said, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel. The restriction does not apply to emergency responders or essential workers.
The National Weather Service warned that blizzard conditions would “quickly materialize” from Maryland through southeastern New England, with snowfall rates of up to three inches per hour at the height of the storm. Nearly 54 million people are in its projected path.
By Sunday evening, snowfall had already reduced visibility in lower Manhattan, obscuring the skyline from across the East River. Forecasters cautioned that heavy snow combined with wind gusts of up to 60 miles (100 kilometres) per hour could make travel “dangerous to impossible.”
Power outages were expected as wet snow accumulated on trees and power lines. By 7:30 pm local time, more than 22,000 customers in New Jersey were without electricity, according to outage monitoring data.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency beginning midday Sunday, enabling the rapid deployment of emergency resources and funds. In Massachusetts, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu ordered public schools and municipal buildings closed on Monday.
The National Weather Service also warned of “moderate to major” coastal flooding from Delaware to Cape Cod, raising concerns for waterfront properties and roads.
The storm arrives only weeks after another severe winter system affected the region, reportedly linked to more than 100 deaths. Officials have emphasised preparedness and caution.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul told residents that the worst conditions were still ahead. She advised people to stock up on groceries, medicines and pet supplies before conditions deteriorate further.
Despite the travel ban, some residents voiced frustration that many workplaces remained open, leaving employees uncertain about how to commute safely.
Meteorologists say snow totals could reach up to two feet (60 centimetres) in some areas, with strong winds compounding the impact. Authorities across the region are urging residents to remain indoors where possible and allow emergency services to operate unimpeded.
With tens of millions affected and infrastructure under strain, the coming hours will test the resilience of transportation and power systems across the northeastern corridor.
