East Coast Blizzard Triggers Travel Bans and Flight Cancellations
Article: A massive winter storm blankets the East Coast with over two feet of snow, making travel nearly impossible across several states. East Coast blizzard travel bans have forced governors to declare states of emergency and restrict road travel. Flight cancellations exceed 5,660 on Monday alone, following 3,000 cancellations on Sunday. Over half a million homes lost power across the region, with Massachusetts and New Jersey hit hardest. The National Weather Service warns of whipping winds and dangerous conditions persisting through Monday. Several states implemented commercial vehicle bans and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
Connecticut and Delaware Face Severe Restrictions
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency Sunday and banned commercial vehicles on limited access highways. The prohibition exempted emergency response and recovery vehicles only. Lamont lifted the emergency order Monday afternoon but urged continued caution due to ongoing road clearing efforts. Bradley International Airport reported 95 percent of flights canceled, with residual delays expected into Tuesday. Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer imposed a statewide driving warning and stricter rules in Kent and Sussex counties. Those counties prohibited all motor vehicles except for essential personnel and exempted operators.
Massachusetts and New Jersey Battle Record Snowfall
Massachusetts saw over 30 inches in Somerset and New Bedford, with Boston receiving 14 inches. Governor Maura Healey activated the National Guard and imposed travel restrictions on commercial trucks. Ferry services suspended completely, and subway trains operated at reduced levels through Monday. Later Monday, Healey issued a non-essential travel ban for Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties. New Jersey recorded 27.1 inches at Newark International Airport, one of its snowiest storms ever. NJ Transit suspended all bus, light rail, and train services Sunday before gradually resuming Monday evening.
New York Implements Strict Travel Bans
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and banned empty commercial vehicles on key highways. The Long Island Rail Road suspended service early Monday and remained paused through late afternoon. Metro-North Railroad operated on reduced schedules across multiple lines. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a local state of emergency with a travel ban from 9 p.m. Sunday to noon Monday. The ban closed streets, highways, and bridges to all but essential vehicles. Mamdani lifted the ban Monday afternoon and announced schools would reopen Tuesday. Paratransit services operated very limited service for essential trips only.
