Weather experts describe blizzard of 2026 as winter in full force as New York, Philadelphia, and surrounding areas contend with record snowfall and strong winds

The Northeast United States is in the grip of a historic blizzard that has already dumped heavy snow across major cities including New York, Philadelphia, and Providence.

Officials are warning that some areas could see up to 28 inches of snow as the Nor’easter moves through, leaving widespread power outages and dangerous conditions in its wake.

More than 100,000 households have already lost electricity, prompting state leaders to mobilize National Guard units and urge residents to stay off the roads.

National Guard Activated as Storm Hits Hard

Governors Kathy Hochul of New York and Maura Healey of Massachusetts have deployed their states’ National Guard units in preparation for emergencies caused by the storm.

Both leaders emphasized that staying off the streets is critical to avoid accidents that could tie up first responders.

Healey warned, “Every car that gets stranded, runs down, slips, crashes – you are creating a burden for our first responders who may need to be deployed elsewhere.”

The heavy snowfall combined with icy roads is creating a particularly risky situation for drivers.

Power Outages Surge Across East Coast States

The storm has already caused widespread power outages across several states.

Virginia is reporting the highest number with more than 21,000 homes without electricity, followed closely by New Jersey with nearly 20,000 outages.

Maryland and Delaware have reported 12,500 and 16,800 outages, respectively.

Rhode Island is bracing for potentially even greater impact, with Mayor Brett Smiley warning that as many as 150,000 households could lose power in Providence alone, a significant portion of the state’s population.

Officials are working to prepare crews to restore electricity as quickly as possible.

The Danger of “Heart Attack Snow”

Meteorologists are calling the storm’s snowfall “heart attack snow” due to its unusually wet and heavy consistency.

Because temperatures hovered near freezing, snowflakes partially melted before compacting into dense layers, making it far more difficult to shovel.

Health experts caution that shoveling this type of snow can be physically taxing and even deadly, with dozens of cardiac-related deaths reported each year during heavy snowfalls.

Residents are being strongly advised to take precautions and avoid overexertion while clearing snow.

Snowfall Rates and Blizzard Conditions Intensify

The National Weather Service reports that snow is falling at rates of up to two inches per hour in New Jersey and on Long Island, producing classic blizzard conditions.

Winds are expected to reach up to 60 mph in parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, causing drifting snow and reducing visibility.

AccuWeather storm chaser Aaron Jayjack described the scene as the “blizzard of 2026,” emphasizing the intensity of the snowfall and the dangerous conditions for anyone caught outside.

In New York City, trained observers have recorded between five and eight inches of snow, with the heaviest accumulation observed on Long Island and in eastern New Jersey.

Residents have begun preparing for more than two feet of snow in some areas as the storm continues.

States Declare Emergencies and Mobilize Resources

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency, activating emergency operations centers and increasing the presence of state troopers on the roads.

“The safety of Marylanders comes first and this storm has the potential to produce life-threatening conditions across large parts of the state,” Moore said.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker also declared a “disaster emergency,” freeing up additional personnel and equipment, including snowplows and salt spreaders, to respond to the storm.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro deployed 150 National Guard members and issued an emergency declaration to ensure rapid response and access to additional funding for storm-related efforts.

Transit Disruptions and Government Adjustments

The MTA has partially suspended service on the C subway line in Manhattan and Brooklyn due to the heavy snow, creating disruptions for commuters.

Federal employees in Washington, D.C., have been granted a two-hour grace period to begin work on Monday, with options for remote work or unscheduled leave available.

The storm has also affected federal operations, forcing the Senate to postpone a critical Department of Homeland Security funding vote originally scheduled for Monday.

Officials stressed that emergency personnel, such as those in ICE and Customs and Border Protection, continue to work despite the storm.

Meteorologists Report Winter at Full Force

Weather experts are describing this Nor’easter as a textbook example of winter at its peak.

Weather Channel meteorologist Reynolds Wolf reported from Montauk, New York, that snow was falling heavily and steadily, creating whiteout conditions and making travel treacherous.

Officials warned that the combination of heavy snowfall, strong winds, and near-freezing temperatures could lead to coastal flooding and significant road hazards through Monday.

What’s Next?

Residents across the Northeast are being advised to stay indoors, monitor updates from local authorities, and prepare for prolonged power outages and dangerous road conditions.

Emergency crews and National Guard units remain on standby to respond to downed power lines, stranded vehicles, and other emergencies.

As the storm continues to move through the region, it may take several days for snow removal efforts and power restoration to return conditions to normal.

Vigilance and preparation remain the best defenses against the Nor’easter’s impact.

Summary

The Northeast is facing an intense blizzard, with up to 28 inches of heavy snow forecasted in some areas.

Widespread power outages have left more than 100,000 households in the dark, and some states could see as many as 150,000 residents affected.

Governors have activated National Guard units and emergency services, urging citizens to stay off roads and exercise caution.

The storm’s “heart attack snow” is especially dense and hazardous, posing health risks to those shoveling. Blizzard conditions include high winds, snow rates of up to two inches per hour, and coastal flooding risks.

Transit disruptions, federal work adjustments, and emergency operations have been implemented to protect residents and maintain critical services.