NEW YORK – A powerful winter storm has forced widespread school closures, travel disruptions, and emergency measures across the US Northeast, as officials warned of heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous conditions.
Read More: Winter storm disrupts travel across US Northeast
In New York City, the nation’s largest school district ordered all public school buildings closed for a traditional snow day on Monday, with no remote learning and after-school programs cancelled. Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a state of emergency and banned non-essential vehicles from city streets from Sunday night until noon Monday to allow snowplows and emergency crews to operate safely. “I’m urging every New Yorker to please stay home,” Mamdani said. City offices will close for in-person services, while non-essential municipal employees may work remotely.
Governor Kathy Hochul activated 100 National Guard members to assist in Long Island, New York City, and the Lower Hudson Valley, areas expected to be hardest hit. The storm also forced the closure of the UN headquarters in Manhattan. Forecasters warned that parts of the Northeast could see up to two feet of snow and wind gusts reaching 70 mph, raising the risk of falling trees and power outages.
Other states also issued emergency measures. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey told state workers to stay home, Connecticut banned commercial vehicles from certain highways, and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a statewide emergency.
Air travel has been severely affected, with more than 5,000 flights cancelled for Monday, and cancellations expected to rise into Tuesday. NJ TRANSIT suspended bus, light rail, and statewide rail service, while the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority halted all service until conditions improve.
Read More: US storm leaves 850,000 without power; 10,000 flights cancelled
The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA emphasized that emergency operations and disaster response remain a top priority despite ongoing funding challenges. Officials urged residents to stay indoors, avoid travel, and take precautions as the storm continues to impact communities across the Northeast.