New York (Web Desk) NYC Management has ordered a sweeping shutdown of its entire traffic network, restricting travel to emergency vehicles only, as a powerful snowstorm barrels toward the northeastern United States.
The unprecedented move comes as tens of millions of Americans brace for what forecasters describe as one of the most severe winter storms in recent years.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that streets, highways, and bridges would close from 9:00 pm Sunday until noon Monday, citing the scale and intensity of the approaching storm.
Declaring a state of emergency, Mamdani warned that the city, home to more than 8 million residents, has not experienced a storm of this magnitude in over a decade.
“We are asking New Yorkers to avoid all non-essential travel,” Mamdani said, clarifying that the ban would not apply to emergency responders, essential workers, or residents facing urgent situations.
The massive winter system is expected to impact nearly 54 million people from Washington to the northern state of Maine.
According to the National Weather Service, blizzard conditions are forecast to “quickly materialise” from Maryland up through southeastern Massachusetts, making travel “extremely treacherous.”
Meteorologists predict snowfall totals could reach up to 2 feet (60 centimetres) in some areas, with peak snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour.
In addition to heavy snow, strong wind gusts are expected to create whiteout conditions and increase the likelihood of widespread power outages.
In neighboring New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency beginning midday Sunday.
The declaration enables the rapid deployment of emergency resources and unlocks additional funding to respond to the developing weather crisis.
Further north in Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu ordered all public schools and municipal buildings closed on Monday.
Wu urged residents to stay off the roads to support public safety and snow removal operations, advising communities to prepare in advance and remain indoors.
The National Weather Service also warned of “moderate to major” coastal flooding from Delaware up to Cape Cod, with waterfront roads and properties at risk.
Coastal storm surges combined with heavy snowfall could compound the storm’s destructive impact.
The approaching blizzard follows another severe weather system that struck the region just weeks ago and was linked to more than 100 fatalities, raising fresh concerns about infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned that “the worst is yet to come” during a Sunday press briefing.
She urged residents to stock up immediately on groceries, medications, and essential supplies before conditions deteriorate further.“
Whatever you need — groceries, medicines, pet food — do it right now,” Hochul said, encouraging residents to remain indoors once the storm intensifies.
She advised New Yorkers to settle in, stay warm, and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
Authorities across the Northeast continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory closely.
With millions in its path, officials are emphasizing preparation, caution, and compliance with emergency measures to minimize risks as the powerful winter system unfolds.