A historic winter storm, dubbed Hernando, has unleashed record snowfall across the Northeast, crippling travel, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, and leaving major cities like New York City and Boston struggling to dig out. The storm, characterized as a “bomb cyclone,” brought hurricane-force winds and heavy, wet snow, creating blizzard conditions from Maryland to Maine.
The impact of Winter Storm Hernando extends far beyond just snowfall totals. Widespread power outages are affecting daily life for residents across the region, and travel has been severely disrupted with thousands of flights canceled. The storm’s intensity prompted emergency declarations in seven states as officials urged residents to stay off the roads and prepare for prolonged disruptions. The focus now shifts to recovery efforts and restoring essential services as the Northeast begins the long process of digging out from under the record-breaking snowfall.
Power Outages Plague the Northeast
As of Tuesday morning, over 350,000 customers were without power across the Northeast, according to data from PowerOutage.com. Massachusetts is bearing the brunt of the outages, with approximately 255,000 homes and businesses in the dark. New Jersey is also significantly impacted, reporting more than 35,000 outages, while Delaware and Rhode Island are experiencing tens of thousands as well. The power crisis is entering its second day, leaving many residents without heat and essential services.
Travel Chaos Grips the East Coast
The storm brought travel to a standstill across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. More than 12,000 flights have been canceled from Sunday through Tuesday, according to FlightAware. Flights were largely suspended from Philadelphia north to Boston, with major hubs in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia experiencing the most significant disruptions. Airlines began preemptively canceling flights on Saturday to mitigate the impact of the approaching storm. As of Tuesday, over 2,100 U.S. Flights remain canceled as airlines attempt to resume service.
Record Snowfall Accumulation
Snow accumulation reached staggering levels in many areas. Parts of Long Island and New Jersey reported over 2 feet of snow, with Babylon, New York, receiving over 29 inches and Freehold, New Jersey, recording more than 26 inches. In New York City, Central Park accumulated over 19 inches of snow, making it the ninth largest snowfall in the city’s history dating back to 1869, according to Weather.com. The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds created whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous.
The “bomb cyclone” associated with Winter Storm Hernando was responsible for at least two deaths, though details remain limited. Governors in seven states declared states of emergency, and winter weather alerts were widespread. Ripple effects from the storm, including school closures and business disruptions, are expected to continue for days.
While the heaviest snow has ceased, winds across the Northeast are expected to continue overnight, potentially causing whiteout conditions from drifting snow. Coastal flooding, which peaked on Monday, could also return during high tide early Tuesday morning, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Water Prediction Service.
Looking ahead, recovery efforts will be the primary focus. Utility crews are working to restore power, and transportation officials are clearing roads to allow for the safe resumption of travel. The full extent of the storm’s economic impact remains to be seen, but Winter Storm Hernando has left a significant mark on the Northeast.
What are your experiences with the storm? Share your stories and photos in the comments below, and please share this article with your friends and family to maintain them informed.
