Millions across the northeastern United States contended with travel to school and work on Tuesday as they dug out from a major storm that, in some areas, broke records for snowfall, canceled flights, disrupted transit, and downed power lines.
Even as the snow moved north, giving way to sunshine in parts of the region, National Weather Service forecasters warned another storm originating in the Great Lakes was approaching. A combination of rain and snow is expected Wednesday, with up to a couple of inches of possible snow.
School Responses Varied Across the Region
In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared that more than a million students in the nation’s largest public school system would have a regular day, even inviting students to pelt him with snowballs over his decision. Philadelphia switched to online learning Monday and Tuesday, although districts on Long Island and elsewhere in the New York suburbs canceled school again Tuesday.
Reactions to the decision to keep New York City schools open were mixed. “We’re walking on thin ice here. One more day would’ve been fine,” said Danielle Obloj, the parent of a Brooklyn fifth grader. “They should never have let these kids come back to school.” Others, like Raul Garcia, praised the city’s snow-clearing efforts, stating, “It was much better than last time — an easy commute, no problems whatsoever.”
Travel Disruptions and Recovery Efforts
Meteorologists are calling Monday’s storm the strongest in a decade. By Tuesday morning, roads began to reopen, and mass transportation was coming back online in some cities. Power had been restored for some of the hundreds of thousands who had lost electricity in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware, and Rhode Island.
Amtrak canceled some trains between Boston and New York and between New York and Philadelphia on Tuesday morning. However, New Jersey Transit was operating, and the Long Island Railroad deployed a snow-clearing train car nicknamed “Darth Vader.”
Flights Canceled as ‘Bomb Cyclone’ Moves Through
The weather service described Monday’s storm as a “classic bomb cyclone/nor’easter off the Northeast coast.” A bomb cyclone occurs when a storm’s pressure falls significantly within a 24-hour period. Roughly 2,200 flights in and out of the United States were canceled Tuesday, with most cancellations affecting airports in New York, New Jersey, and Boston.
Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport paused operations Monday due to nearly 38 inches (97 centimeters) of snow, surpassing a previous record of 28.6 inches (72.6 centimeters) set in 1978. The airport remained paused Tuesday morning as conditions were assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the nature of the storm that impacted the Northeast?
The storm was described as a “classic bomb cyclone/nor’easter” and was the strongest in a decade, dumping more than 2 feet of snow in parts of the Northeast.
How did schools respond to the storm?
Responses varied, with New York City schools remaining open, Philadelphia switching to online learning, and districts on Long Island and elsewhere in the New York suburbs canceling school again on Tuesday.
What is a bomb cyclone?
A bomb cyclone happens when a storm’s pressure falls by a certain amount within a 24-hour period.
As the Northeast begins to recover, another storm system looms, raising questions about how quickly the region can fully restore services and prepare for potential further disruptions.