Record-breaking snowfall and hurricane-force winds descended upon the Northeastern United States this week as Winter Storm Hernando, a rapidly intensifying bomb cyclone, began to dissipate, leaving behind widespread disruption and at least two confirmed fatalities. The storm, which impacted a region stretching from Modern York to Maine, caused thousands of flight cancellations and left hundreds of thousands without power.
Long Island, New York, was particularly hard hit, with Lynbrook and Babylon reporting accumulations of two feet of snow. Islip, New York, recorded 31 inches over two days, surpassing the previous record of 27.8 inches set in February 2013, according to the National Weather Service. Suffolk County extended a travel ban until 3:30 p.m. Monday as conditions deteriorated.
New Jersey as well experienced significant snowfall, with Newark receiving approximately 28 inches. Newark International Airport faced major delays, contributing to a nationwide disruption of air travel. As of Tuesday, more than 2,000 U.S. Flights had been canceled, the majority affecting airports in the storm’s path, according to FlightAware.
The storm’s impact extended beyond travel. Coastal flooding peaked Monday, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned that high tide early Tuesday morning could trigger renewed flooding in vulnerable areas along the Northeast coast. Blizzard warnings for major cities like New York and Portland, Maine, expired Monday evening, though blizzard conditions persisted in some areas, including Boston, due to continued strong winds and drifting snow.
The bomb cyclone’s intensity prompted emergency declarations from governors in seven states. Heavy snow and damaging winds knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of customers across the region. From a blinding whiteout in New York City to accumulations of up to two feet in Boston, the storm paralyzed urban centers and disrupted daily life for millions.
Public transportation systems throughout the Northeast experienced delays and cancellations. Crews from the Department of Transportation and first responders worked throughout the storm to clear roads and respond to emergencies, described as a “full-court press” by officials.
