A huge snowstorm hit the US East Coast on Monday, breaking snowfall records and causing widespread flight cancellations and disruptions. The storm dumped huge amounts of snow, with parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts receiving almost 37 inches (94 cm). New York City’s Central Park saw more than 19 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service. Travel in New York became almost impossible, state officials warned. Over 600,000 homes and businesses across the East Coast lost power, with New Jersey and Massachusetts being hit the hardest.
Winter storm warnings were in place from North Carolina all the way to northern Maine, and some areas in eastern Canada also prepared for heavy snow. The National Weather Service said the snow would continue through Monday, with some coastal areas expecting 1 to 2 feet (30–61 cm) by Tuesday morning. Rhode Island, the country’s smallest state, recorded the worst snowstorm in its history.
Providence, the state capital, received 36 inches of snow, far surpassing the previous record of 28.6 inches from February 1978. “It completely smashed it,” said Candice Hrencecin, a meteorologist in Boston. Because of the dangerous conditions, Rhode Island and Connecticut banned non-essential travel. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also announced a travel ban, reducing speed limits and urging everyone to stay off the roads. Whiteout conditions made driving extremely risky, and emergency help would have difficulty reaching stranded drivers. Nearly 300,000 people in Massachusetts were without power, including 85% of customers in Cape Cod’s Barnstable County. New York City, home to over 8 million people, temporarily shut down all roads, highways, and bridges.
Connecticut and New Jersey warned about falling trees and branches causing more problems. In Providence, more than 300 cars were towed to clear paths for snowploughs, while drivers helped others stuck in the snow. Air travel was also severely affected. More than 5,700 flights were cancelled across the US. LaGuardia Airport saw 98% of flights cancelled, JFK 91%, Boston Logan 92%, Newark 92%, and Philadelphia 80%, leaving travelers stranded and airports struggling to cope.
