NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2026 (Agencies) — A powerful nor’easter brought record-breaking snowfall to the US east coast on Monday, crippling travel, cutting power to hundreds of thousands, and forcing the cancellation of more than 5,000 flights.
The National Weather Service reported accumulations of nearly 37 inches (94 cm) in parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, while New York City’s Central Park recorded 19 inches (48 cm). Providence, Rhode Island, saw 36 inches (91 cm), surpassing the state’s previous record of 28.6 inches set in 1978. “This storm completely smashed records,” said Candice Hrencecin, a meteorologist in Boston.
Flight tracker FlightAware reported 5,706 cancellations within, into, or out of the US on Monday. LaGuardia Airport cancelled 98 percent of flights, while 91 percent were grounded at JFK. Boston, Newark, and Philadelphia also saw widespread shutdowns. Authorities imposed travel bans in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York City, where roads, bridges, and highways were closed. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey warned of “white-out conditions” and urged residents to stay off the roads.
More than 600,000 properties lost electricity across the region. In Massachusetts, nearly 300,000 customers were affected, including 85 percent of households in Barnstable County, which covers Cape Cod. The Boston Globe suspended printing for the first time in its 153-year history, citing impassable conditions that prevented staff from reaching presses.
Residents described feeling trapped by the storm. Bradley Jay of Boston said he felt like a “prisoner,” while Sandra Wu of Long Island reported her family could not open their front door due to snow accumulation. In New York City, police condemned footage showing officers being pelted with snowballs in Washington Square Park, calling the behavior “disgraceful and criminal.”
The storm is expected to move into eastern Canada on Tuesday, though strong winds and lingering snow will continue to pose hazards. Forecasts predict an additional 1–2 feet (30–61 cm) of accumulation along the northeast coastline.