Storms threaten to pummel East Coast as blizzard warnings issued
#Blizzard Warning#East Coast#Snowstorm#New York City#National Weather Service#Travel Conditions#Winter Storm
📌 Key Takeaways
First blizzard warning for New York City in nine years
Storm expected to bring 1-2 feet of snow in many areas
Heavy snowfall rates up to 2 inches per hour possible
Travel conditions expected to be dangerous or impossible
📖 Full Retelling
The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings Saturday for New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and coastal communities along the East Coast as a late-winter storm arriving Sunday threatened to bring dangerous conditions and heavy snowfall to over 14 million people. The warnings marked the first time in nine years that New York City has been under a blizzard alert, with meteorologists upgrading their assessment of the storm's potential severity after initially projecting it would be less ferocious. According to the National Weather Service, 1 to 2 feet of snow is possible in many areas, with snowfall totals ranging from 6-18 inches across the Northeast and lower amounts expected in the Mid-Atlantic region. Forecasters also warned of possible flooding in parts of New York and New Jersey as the storm arrives initially with rainfall before intensifying. The weather service predicts the storm could begin quietly on Sunday with rainfall in some areas before worsening, with the heaviest snowfall expected Sunday night when rates could reach 1-2 inches per hour, and potentially exceed 2 inches per hour in some locations. With steady winds of 25 to 35 mph forecasted, officials warned that travel could become dangerous or impossible, with scattered downed tree limbs and power outages possible due to the combination of snow load and strong winds. The storm's arrival comes as the icy remnants of a previous snowstorm that struck the region weeks earlier are finally melting away, potentially creating additional challenges as the new precipitation accumulates.
New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States. It is located at the southern tip of New York State on New York Harbor, one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive with its respective county.
A winter storm (also known as snow storm) is an event in which wind coincides with varieties of precipitation that only occur at freezing temperatures, such as snow, mixed snow and rain, or freezing rain. In temperate continental and subarctic climates, these storms are not necessarily restricted to...
Weather warning indicating blizzard conditions in the warned area
A blizzard warning (SAME code: BZW) is a hazardous weather statement issued by Weather Forecast Offices (WFO) of the National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States, which indicates heavy snowfall accompanied by sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph (56 km/h) or greater are forecast to occ...
U.S. forecasting agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Weather Service (NWS) is an agency of the United States federal government that is tasked with providing weather forecasts, warnings of hazardous weather, and other weather-related products to organizations and the public for the purposes of protection, safety, and general information. ...
The storm is the first blizzard warning in New York City in nine years, affecting over 14 million people and threatening significant snowfall, flooding, and power outages across the Northeast. It poses serious risks to travel, infrastructure, and public safety.
Context & Background
First blizzard warning in NYC in nine years
14 million people under warnings
6-18 inches of snow possible across Northeast
Potential flooding and power outages
Storm may arrive quietly with rainfall before worsening
What Happens Next
Emergency services will likely issue evacuation orders and schools may close as the storm peaks Sunday night. Residents should prepare for travel disruptions, stock supplies, and stay indoors during the worst conditions. Power companies will be on standby to address outages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blizzard warning?
A blizzard warning means heavy snowfall, high winds, and low visibility that can make travel dangerous.
How should I prepare for the storm?
Stay indoors, stock up on supplies, avoid travel, and secure loose outdoor items.
Will flights be affected?
Many flights may be delayed or canceled due to the storm.
When will the storm clear?
The storm is expected to peak Sunday night and clear by Monday morning.
Original Source
U.S. Storms threaten to pummel East Coast as blizzard warnings issued in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut February 21, 2026 / 11:41 AM EST / CBS/AP Add CBS News on Google Blizzard warnings were issued Saturday for New York City, New Jersey and coastal communities along the East Coast as a late-winter storm set to arrive on Sunday threatened to make a mess of the start of a new week. More than 14 million people are currently under blizzard warnings, including one in New York City — the first time in nine years a blizzard warning has been issued for the Big Apple. The National Weather Service increased its assessment of the potential severity of a storm that was projected to be less ferocious only days earlier. The weather service said 1 to 2 feet of snow was possible in many areas as it issued blizzard warnings for New York City, Long Island, southern Connecticut and coastal communities in New Jersey and Delaware. Snowfall totals upwards of 6-18 inches are possible across the Northeast. Lower snowfall amounts are expected in the Mid-Atlantic area. Flooding was also possible in parts of New York and New Jersey, the weather service said. The weather service said the storm could arrive quietly on Sunday with rainfall in some places before worsening, with the heaviest snowfall expected Sunday night. Snowfall rates up to 1-2 inches per hour are expected by Sunday night, with higher rates over 2 inches per hour possible. The weather service warned that the storm, with steady winds of 25 to 35 mph, would "make travel dangerous, if not impossible. Scattered downed tree limbs and power outages are possible due to snow load and strong winds." The National Weather Service predicted difficult travel conditions across the region. The storm approached just as the icy remains of a snowstorm that struck the region weeks earlier were finally melting away. However, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow earlier in the month, meaning the groundhog thinks there will be six more weeks of w...
