More than 5,000 flights cancelled as US east coast digs out of record snow

February 24, 2026

A massive nor'easter storm struck the eastern United States on Monday, depositing record amounts of snowfall across multiple states and causing widespread disruption. Rhode Island experienced its worst snowstorm in history with Providence receiving 36 inches of snow, while New York City's Central Park saw over 19 inches of accumulation. The severe weather conditions forced several states to implement travel bans, left more than 600,000 homes without electricity, and resulted in the cancellation of over 5,700 flights nationwide.

Who is affected

Millions of residents across the US east coast from North Carolina to northern Maine
More than 600,000 property owners experiencing power outages
Nearly 300,000 people without power in Massachusetts, including 85% of Barnstable County customers
More than 8 million residents of New York City
Boston Globe subscribers and printing staff
Airline passengers (over 5,700 flight cancellations on Monday, over 2,000 on Tuesday)
Residents of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and parts of eastern Canada
Specific individuals mentioned: Boston resident Bradley Jay, Long Island resident Sandra Wu and her family

What action is being taken

The National Weather Service is issuing weather warnings and tracking the storm's movement
Travel bans are implemented in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is urging people to stay off roads
The NYPD is investigating footage of officers being pelted with snowballs
Strong winds are persisting according to the NWS
The Boston Globe is delivering both Tuesday and Wednesday's editions on Wednesday

Why it matters

This storm represents a historic weather event with Rhode Island experiencing its worst snowstorm ever recorded, breaking the previous 1978 record by over 7 inches. The widespread disruption affects millions of people's daily lives through massive power outages, transportation shutdowns, and safety concerns. The severity of the storm is highlighted by unprecedented actions such as the Boston Globe missing print for the first time in 153 years and complete travel bans in major metropolitan areas. The dangerous white-out conditions and infrastructure damage pose serious safety risks, while the follow-up weather systems and freezing temperatures mean the region will continue experiencing difficult conditions throughout the week.

What's next

Strong winds are expected to persist according to the NWS
A fast-moving Alberta Clipper will bring snow, ice and high winds to the Great Lakes region and north-eastern US on Tuesday evening into Wednesday
Frosty nights and freezing temperatures are expected all week
Boston Globe subscribers will receive both Tuesday and Wednesday's editions on Wednesday

Read full article from source: BBC