Governors Deploy National Guard as Massive Nor’easter Pounds East Coast Causing Power Outages and Travel Chaos

The East Coast is in the grip of a powerful Nor’easter this weekend, with snow, high winds, and coastal flooding battering states from Maryland all the way up to Massachusetts.

Governors across the region are taking no chances, deploying their National Guard and urging residents to stay indoors as blizzard conditions threaten to worsen.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy have both mobilized their state National Guard units to assist with potential emergencies.

Hochul and Healy emphasized that stranded cars and traffic accidents could put unnecessary pressure on first responders, who may need to focus on life-threatening situations.

Historic Snowfall Expected

Forecasters are warning that some areas could see up to two feet of snow.

The National Weather Service described the situation as “rapidly deteriorating,” with snow accumulating from south to north as the storm advances.

Trained spotters have already measured five to eight inches of snow in the New York City metro area, with the heaviest amounts reported on Long Island and in eastern New Jersey.

“The snow is coming down hard and fast,” said Weather Channel meteorologist Reynolds Wolf from Montauk, New York. “This is winter in full force.”

Power Outages Spread Across States

As the storm sweeps through the region, over 70,000 residents have already lost electricity.

Virginia reported the most outages, followed closely by New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware.

Utility crews are staged and ready, but officials warn that restoration could take time as the storm continues to rage.

Emergency Declarations in Multiple States

Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, activating the state’s emergency operations centers and urging residents to stay off the roads and check on neighbors.

“The safety of Marylanders comes first,” Moore said, emphasizing the storm’s potential to produce life-threatening conditions.

Massachusetts followed suit, with Governor Healy issuing a state of emergency and echoing the importance of keeping vehicles off icy streets.

In New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill enacted a full travel ban, with exceptions only for the Turnpike, effective from 9 p.m. Sunday through Monday morning.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont also warned residents that the storm would be severe, with wind gusts up to 60 mph capable of bringing down trees and causing power outages.

Philadelphia Declares Disaster Emergency

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker declared a disaster emergency to allow the city to better respond, freeing up around 1,000 personnel and over 800 pieces of equipment such as snowplows and salt trucks.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also deployed 150 National Guard members to the region and declared an emergency to release additional funding for storm response efforts.

Transit Disruptions Hit Commuters

Subway service on the C line, covering parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, has been suspended by the MTA.

NJ Transit has halted all rail service beginning at 9 p.m., with trains unable to start new trips after that time.

Meanwhile, travelers face ongoing uncertainty as airlines adjust schedules and power outages continue to affect operations.

Federal Agencies Feeling the Impact

The storm has even delayed political proceedings.

The Senate postponed a crucial Department of Homeland Security funding vote until Tuesday afternoon due to hazardous travel conditions.

Critical federal agencies, including FEMA, TSA, and the Coast Guard, are operating under strained circumstances, with some employees unpaid but still required to work.

Warnings for Residents and Travelers

Officials across multiple states are urging everyone to stay home, avoid travel, and remain vigilant.

The National Weather Service continues to issue updates as conditions deteriorate, emphasizing that coastal flooding, high winds, and heavy snow could create life-threatening hazards.

What’s Next?

As the Nor’easter barrels through the East Coast, authorities will be monitoring road conditions, power restoration efforts, and flooding risks.

The National Guard and emergency services will be on standby to respond to accidents, stranded residents, and storm-related damage.

Recovery and cleanup could continue into the week, and officials warn that even after the snow stops, icy roads and blocked highways will make travel dangerous for some time.

Residents are advised to stock up on essentials, stay connected to local alerts, and avoid unnecessary travel until authorities give the all-clear.

Forecasters will be tracking the storm’s movement closely, especially along vulnerable coastal areas where flooding could worsen overnight.

Summary

Governors across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast have deployed their National Guard units as a powerful Nor’easter brings blizzard conditions, heavy snow, and coastal flooding.

Over 70,000 people have lost power across multiple states, while emergency declarations have been issued in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

Travel bans, subway suspensions, and delays in federal government operations are all compounding the impact.

Authorities warn residents to stay home, remain vigilant, and prepare for life-threatening conditions through Monday as recovery and emergency response efforts continue.