A severe snowstorm has impacted the northeastern United States, dropping up to 90 centimeters of snow in some areas. Wind gusts reached speeds of 90 km/h, affecting daily life for over 40 million residents. The storm’s intensity led to emergency declarations across multiple states, including New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
Significant Snowfall and Wind Speeds
On January 26, 2023, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported that the city experienced a snowfall of 40 to 50 centimeters, with an additional 4 to 7 centimeters expected later. In Rhode Island, Providence Airport recorded 83 centimeters of snow, with predictions suggesting totals might reach 90 centimeters by the end of the day. This heavy snowfall significantly impacted transportation and daily activities.
Emergency Declarations and Disruptions
The National Weather Service warned of possible flooding in parts of New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. In response, governors from eight states declared a state of emergency to address the hazardous conditions. These states include:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
Impact on Daily Life
As the storm progressed, approximately 570,000 homes were reported without electricity by 8:00 PM GMT, with Massachusetts accounting for over 285,000 outages. Many schools, businesses, and municipal services remained closed, allowing children to enjoy sledding in Central Park.
Despite the snow’s beauty, opinions varied among residents. While some found joy in the winter wonderland, others expressed frustration. “I don’t want to see any more snow,” said Vincent Greer from New Jersey, as he struggled to clear a path at his building.
Transportation Struggles
Public transportation faced significant disruptions. Train services were delayed or canceled, especially in New Jersey. In New York City, essential vehicle traffic was halted Sunday night but was allowed to resume at noon on Monday, though officials warned that travel remained hazardous.
The storm caused the cancellation of over 6,000 flights, particularly affecting airports in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. By the next day, nearly 2,000 additional cancellations were anticipated.
Previous Storm Context
This snowfall followed a previous storm in late January, which resulted in approximately 100 fatalities across the United States, including 18 in New York due to hypothermia. Mayor Mamdani confirmed that no storm-related fatalities had been reported in public areas under the city’s jurisdiction.
In light of the severe weather, New York City enhanced its emergency services for vulnerable individuals, providing accessible bus services and open schools for those seeking refuge from the cold.
