Snow, Wind and Cancellations Paralyze Residents as Nor’easter Roars Up East Coast

By Stacy M. Brown

Senior Global Correspondent

A powerful winter storm that forecasters have dubbed Winter Storm Hernando has brought the mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States to a virtual standstill, dumping heavy snow, triggering blizzard warnings, prompting states of emergency, and crippling travel from Washington, D.C., through New York City and into New England.

The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for the first time in New York City since 2017 as the nor’easter intensified into a “bomb cyclone,” a rapidly strengthening storm system capable of sweeping snow inland from the Atlantic Coast with gusts strong enough to create dangerous whiteout conditions. Forecasters warned that snow totals could reach up to two feet in the Northeast megalopolis, with winds tipping toward 60-plus miles per hour and coastal flooding possible near the Jersey Shore and Long Island.

In Washington, D.C., officials began preparations early Sunday, deploying hundreds of snowplows and adjusting municipal services in anticipation of heavy snowfall, though the storm’s core impacts were expected farther north.

Across the densely populated Interstate-95 corridor, ground and air travel erupted into chaos as the storm’s sweeping reach brought hazardous conditions and widespread cancellations. Major airports in the Northeast canceled thousands of flights, with over 3,300 cancellations and more than 5,700 delays reported by Sunday evening, and projections suggesting total flight cancellations could exceed 8,000 nationwide through Monday as storms persisted.

At Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, a key hub serving the nation’s capital and destinations across the country and abroad, winter weather and logistical pressures left hundreds of travelers stranded as about 240 flights were canceled and 72 delayed, forcing travelers to rebook, seek refunds, and endure long hours in crowded terminals

International carriers were not immune. Singapore Airlines and Air India, among others, canceled flights to and from New York area airports, stranding travelers and prompting airlines to offer refunds or rebooking options amid mounting uncertainty tied to the American winter storm.

In addition, transatlantic flight operations faced disruptions, with several flights between Dublin and U.S. East Coast airports canceled as weather conditions deteriorated.

Governors and city leaders across multiple states declared states of emergency, restrictions on travel, and broad measures to safeguard residents. In Connecticut, a statewide emergency order included bans on commercial vehicles and the closure of transportation services, while food delivery platforms suspended operations amid the storm.

New York City implemented a citywide travel ban from Sunday night through Monday, barring non-essential vehicles from streets and bridges to allow snow removal and emergency crews to operate. Schools and numerous public services were closed, and outreach workers helped relocate unhoused residents to shelters and warming centers as heavy snow continued to fall.

Across New Jersey, Delaware, and Rhode Island, similar emergency directives aimed to limit travel and focus on road safety, snow clearance, and community outreach.

The storm’s impact extended well beyond airports and highways. In New York, Broadway canceled several Sunday evening performances as officials urged residents to stay off the roads and to monitor weather alerts. Public transit systems adjusted schedules with reduced services planned throughout Monday, while some train lines suspended operations as conditions deteriorated.

Local officials didn't downplay the dangerous nature of the storm, noting that heavy, wet snow combined with strong winds “is a recipe for downed trees and prolonged power outages,” and could make much of the Northeast unrecognizable under deep drifts and treacherous travel.

As the blizzard continues through Monday, residents from Washington to Boston have been urged to stay indoors, monitor official weather advisories, and prepare for potentially extended disruptions to daily life and travel services.