A major winter storm is set to unleash blizzard conditions across the northeastern United States, with heavy snowfall and winds reaching up to 70mph expected to disrupt millions of people from Maryland to Massachusetts. The storm, which is forecast to intensify on Sunday, is already prompting widespread preparations and emergency measures across the region.

Disruption Across 35 Million People

The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for areas including New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, Boston, and other parts of Massachusetts. More than a foot of snow is expected, with coastal flooding and strong winds exacerbating the danger.

Residents are being urged to stay indoors as the storm arrives on Sunday morning, with the first blizzard warning in New York City in nearly a decade. The storm is projected to move from Washington DC to Philadelphia and New York City, reaching Boston by evening, just as the icy remnants of a previous snowstorm are melting.

“Staying home means you are staying safe,” said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in an interview with Fox News. The mayor announced a full snow day for Monday, with no online or remote learning, and emphasized the importance of keeping children safe during the height of the storm.

Travel Disruptions and Power Outages

The storm is expected to create whiteout conditions that could make travel dangerous and even life-threatening. Strong winds and the weight of snow on tree limbs may lead to power line failures and sporadic outages.

Airlines have already cancelled more than 6,000 flights in and out of major US airports, including JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, and Boston Logan. FlightAware, a flight-tracking site, reported the cancellations as the storm intensifies.

The National Weather Service warned that the storm could be significantly more severe than earlier projections. “Once the storm intensifies on Sunday afternoon, it could prove significantly more severe than projections made just a few days ago,” the service said.

Coastal Flooding and Emergency Measures

Coastal flooding is also a concern, with a storm surge of 2 to 4ft expected to cause moderate flooding and beach erosion from Delaware Bay to Cape Cod. This could impact areas during high tide cycles, especially in low-lying neighborhoods.

Governor Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey declared a state of emergency at noon on Sunday, with all 21 counties under a blizzard warning for the first time in recorded history. Churches in the state canceled Sunday services, and officials in Atlantic City urged residents and visitors to avoid the streets, particularly in flood-prone areas.

Residents are being advised to stock up on food and water, fill their vehicles’ gas tanks, and charge electronic devices. Sherrill urged New Jerseyans to stay at home if possible and prepare for the storm’s impact.

New York City has also taken steps to prepare for the storm, including bringing in additional snow-clearing equipment from outside the city. The city plans to expand the use of geocoding to track areas that need clearing, including bus stops, crosswalks, and unsheltered pedestrian ramps.

As the storm approaches, the focus remains on safety and preparedness, with officials emphasizing the need for residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The full impact of the storm is expected to be felt throughout Monday, with the potential for long-term disruptions to daily life in the affected areas.