What to know about storms in the Northeast:
- A powerful winter storm hit areas from eastern Pennsylvania to Massachusetts.
- Some 46 million people were under winter alerts, with the heaviest snow falling from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- More than 1,500 flights were canceled.
- More than 3 inches of snow fell in Central Park, the most since 2022. Parts of the Hudson Valley north of New York City got 5 to 10 inches.
- Many areas of the Northeast exceeded forecasts, with 10 to 15 inches of snow falling in eastern Pennsylvania and 6 to 10 inches blanketing northern New Jersey.
- New York City Public Schools had a rocky start to their first remote-learning snow day.
Winter alerts expire as Nor'easter moves off the coast, overnight freeze still poses danger
The snow has ended in Philadelphia, New York City and Hartford, Connecticut, and will soon end in Boston. The Nor’easter is now rapidly accelerating off the coast and most of the winter alerts that were in effect have expired or will soon expire, NBC News meteorologists report.
Gusty winds will remain and a few lake enhanced snow showers may impact parts of upstate New York and northwest Pennsylvania through tonight.
There were many areas in eastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey that overperformed in terms of snowfall. Amounts from Allentown to Scranton in eastern Pennsylvania ranged from 10 to 15 inches. In northern New Jersey, snowfall totals ranged from 6 to 10 inches.
In New York City, the total snowfall hit 3.2 inches in Central Park — which is the highest snow amount for the park since January 2022 — but areas north of New York City including the Hudson Valley saw 5 to 10 inches. Any slushy, wet or untreated areas may freeze tonight across the Northeast as temperatures drop below freezing.
Top snowfalls for Northeast today
- West Hartford, Connecticut: 15.2 inches
- Sussex, New Jersey: 15 inches
- Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania: 14.5 inches
- Newtown, Connecticut: 13.8 inches
- Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania: 13.4 inches
- Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania: 13.2 inches
- Chester, New York: 13 inches
- Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania: 12.5 inches
- Waterbury, Conncecticut: 12.5 inches
- Vernon, New Jersey: 12.1 inches
Freezing temperatures overnight in NYC could turn snowmelt into dangerously icy conditions
Below-freezing temperatures are expected in New York City tonight, according to NYC's official emergency notification system.
A special weather statement was issued by the National Weather Service in New York for the city.
"Melting snow & standing water on area roadways may become icy. Use extra caution if traveling this evening through Wednesday morning," Notify NYC wrote on X.
Over 160 weather-related accidents in Connecticut
There have been over 160 weather-related accidents in Connecticut today, according to Connecticut State Police.
Eight people have been injured as a result of the accidents.
There have been a total of 764 calls for service in the state so far today, according to police.
New Jersey police respond over 440 car accidents due to winter storm
New Jersey State Police responded to over 440 car accidents since 4 p.m. yesterday due to the winter storm that has impacted the state.
Police have also responded to over 440 "motorist aids," which include "anything from flat tires, mechanical breakdowns and spin outs."
20-year-old man dies in Pennsylvania after snowmobile hits downed power line
A 20-year-old man died in a snowmobile crash in Pennsylvania, Newberry Township police said today.
Police responded to the scene of the accident at around 8 a.m. The man died after colliding with a downed utility line while operating a snowmobile. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The snowmobiler was traveling north in the 200 blk. of York Rd. when the collision occurred," police said in a statement. "At the time, the central Pennsylvania area was experiencing a multitude of weather related conditions due to a winter storm which caused downed trees, downed powerlines and hazardous travel conditions throughout the area."
No other vehicles or people were involved in the incident, police said.
Pennsylvania police respond to over 1,200 crashes
The Pennsylvania State Police Department has responded to over 1,200 weather-related crashes and vehicle incidents in the state so far today, according to Lt. Adam Reed.
It's not clear if there have been any reported injuries or casualties as a result of the incidents.
Snowfall totals up to 4.9 inches in the Northeast so far
Snowfall totals in the Northeast region have accumulated up to 4.9 inches so far.
The Newark Airport area received up to 4.9 inches of snow, while John F. Kennedy Airport has had about 4.2 inches.
LaGuardia Airport reported 3.3 inches while Central Park has about 3.2 inches of snow.
Snow storm hits Long Island as voters turn out for New York special election to replace former Rep. George Santos
Today's winter storm has descended on Long Island as the special election in New York’s 3rd Congressional District to replace Republican former Rep. George Santos is underway.
The storm has prompted concerns about reduced voter turnout in a race that is already expected to have a lower turnout rate.
Both candidates in the race — Democratic former Rep. Tom Suozzi and Republican Mazi Pilip — have urged voters to not let the storm discourage them from casting ballots.
In posts to X this morning, teams for Suozzi and Pilip said they are providing rides for voters who want to get to the polls in the snowstorm.
“No snow day for Team Suozzi! We are out and about giving voters rides to the polls If you need a ride — please call (646) 770-3557 Be safe. Vote Suozzi,” Suozzi’s campaign wrote in a post to X.
“There’s too much at stake in this election to stay home. Team Mazi is offering free rides to voting locations. Please call 516-662-4633 or visit https://maziforny.com/vote/ if you haven’t voted yet and need a ride to the polls. We’re counting on your support!!” Pilip’s campaign wrote in a post to X.
Will your Valentine's Day deliveries make it on time?
Today's winter storm in the Northeast has some wondering if their shipped flowers and chocolates will make it to their loved ones on time.
A UPS spokesperson told NBC News that "delivering on our commitments is UPS’s most important priority." The delivery giant has a team of meteorologists who help assure contingency plans are in place in case of severe weather. "Our drivers train to make deliveries safely, and if we cannot safely deliver to an area, we will resume service as soon as conditions permit," the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the USPS said in a statement that its carriers "deliver the mail in all kinds of weather."
"We plan for various weather issues throughout the year, including efforts to make sure employees have the necessary tools and training to do their jobs safely," the statement said. Fed Ex did not immediately respond to questions about what effects the storm might have on Valentine's Day deliveries.
NYC Public Schools chancellor on remote-learning day: 'I don’t think that we passed this test'
New York City Public Schools Chancellor David Banks said the city did not pass today's remote-learning "test" due to technical issues.
“As I said, this was a test. I don’t think that we passed this test," he said in a news briefing. NYC Public Schools did a lot of work to prepare for today, Banks said, but shortly before 8 a.m. they were notified that parents and students were having difficulty signing onto remote learning.
This is the first time NYC Public Schools has implemented remote learning on a snow day since introducing the controversial no-snow-day policy in 2022.
Snow expected to end within the next hour or two
Snow is expected to end within the next hour or two in the New Jersey, Hudson Valley and New York City metro areas, according to NBC New York's Violeta Yas.
The snow will linger for a little longer in Long Island and Connecticut.
More than 140,000 customers without power in Pennsylvania
More than 140,000 utility customers are without power in Pennsylvania as of 11:40 a.m., according to Poweroutage.us.
This is an uptick from 98,000 recorded without power as of 8:30 a.m.
Over 10,000 customers are without power in New Jersey.
Pristine morning snow in New York's Central Park
Some airlines issue waivers due to winter storm
Some airlines are issuing waivers to customers because of the winter storm impacting flights to and out of the Northeast.
JetBlue, Delta, American, Spirit and Southwest are all allowing passengers traveling through or from certain Northeast airports today to rebook their flights to a later date through Thursday.
Frontier Airlines is allowing passengers to rebook their flights, receive credits or request refunds. It's not clear if they're allowing rebooking without charge.
Almost 1,500 flights were canceled as of 11 a.m.
Philadelphia digs out
Snowplows deployed in NYC for the first time in two years
Snowplows have been deployed in New York City for the first time in two years, the Sanitation Department said on X.
The plows will be working in areas that have accumulated 2 inches of snow.
The department and Mayor Eric Adams advised people to stay off the roads.
NYC Public Schools announces tech issues during remote learning day
New York City Public Schools announced it was having tech issues during today's remote learning day.
All New York City public schools are closed for remote classes today.
"We are currently experiencing issues with services that require IBM authentication to login," NYC Public Schools wrote on X. "We are actively working with IBM to resolve."
An hour later, it said that "improvements are rolling out across the system."
Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour reported in NYC area
Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour have been reported in the greater New York City area, according to the weather service in New York.
The snowfall will most likely shift into the NYC metro area and Long Island next.
VIDEO: NYC emergency management chief on how the city prepared for the winter storm
New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol spoke about how the city prepared for what could be its biggest snowstorm in two years.
"As you are all aware, this forecast changed very quickly. Two days ago, forecast called for about an inch of snow. Yesterday morning, that was bumped up to 5 to 8 inches with a worst case scenario of 10 inches," he told NBC News.
The city considered "the worst case scenario" when getting prepared for this winter storm, Iscol said.
He advised residents to also take proper preparations to protect themselves from the storm, including staying off the roads for their own safety.
Wintry mix in midtown Manhattan
Pedestrians make their way through slushy snow in front of Radio City Music Hall and the NBC Studios this morning.
More than 100,000 customers without power
So far, Pennsylvania is leading with the most number of customers without power as the state has approximately 98,000 as of 8:30 a.m. ET.
West Virginia has about 13,000 and Virginia has an additional 6,400.
New York DOT warns drivers to take it slow on snowy roads
New Yorkers woke up this morning to a blanket of white outside their windows and a warning to take it slow on the roads, if they must be on them.
More than 1,000 flights canceled across the U.S.
More than 1,300 flights were canceled and 7,000 delayed across the country so far today, with about half of those in the Northeast, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware.
New York's LaGuardia Airport leads the cancellations chart with 243 flights as of 8:30 a.m. ET, which represents 43% of those slated to leave today.
A post on X from LaGuardia last night said that passengers should check with their airline before traveling to the airport.
Newark, JFK and Boston Logan airports are also badly affected.
Warnings issued for people to stay off roads as millions affected by Northeast snowstorms
Almost 50 million people could be affected by snowstorms stretching from Philadelphia to Boston as officials warn commuters to stay home if they can. NBC News’ Trymaine Lee reports on the messy commutes and canceled flights and how New York City is responding after a two-year snow drought.
New York City set for heavy snow for the first time in years
Snow is falling on the NYC metro area — something New Yorkers haven't seen very much of in recent years.
It has been a record-setting 744 days since more than 2 inches of snow fell in New York City, stretching back to January 2022.
Snow totals as of 8 a.m. ET
10.5” Jim Thorpe, Pa.
10” Dingmans Ferry, Pa.
9.7” Mount Pocono, Pa.
7.1” Wantage Twp, N.J.
7” Middletown, N.Y.
6.5” Fort Ritchie, Md.
Heavy snow is expected to ease this afternoon
Satellite imagery shows the Nor'easter due to move over a huge swath of New England and the tri-state area before moving out to sea around 4 p.m.
Rain is transitioning to sleet and then to snow this morning across many areas, the weather service said.
East Pennsylvania, southern New England expected to be among the worst affected areas, weather service warns
The strong nor'easter storm currently dumping snow across the region will move out to the Atlantic later today — but not before bringing some severe winter weather to much of the region, the weather service said in an update.
The storm will "continue to rapidly deepen" and bring snow, with the worst-affected areas expected to be eastern Pennsylvania, including Lehigh Valley, northern New Jersey, southeast New York, including New York City.
Southern New England could receive between 6 and 12 inches of snow, with 3 to 6 inches expected elsewhere — enough to "produce locally significant travel disruptions" and possible power outages, the weather service said.
More than 40,000 properties without power across the interior Northeast
More than 27,000 homes and businesses in Pennsylvania and 11,600 in West Virginia were without power after 6:30 a.m. as heavy rain and snow caused disruptions across the region.
The PowerOutage.us website, which tracks power connections nationally, showed that more than 40,000 properties had no power in the Northeast, while power outages continue in the South.
Almost 10,000 properties were without power in Georgia and 8,300 in the Carolinas.
School closures and remote classes announced across the Northeast
Millions of schoolchildren across the region will be staying home this morning as dozens of schools choose to either close or deliver lessons remotely.
All public schools in New York City will have only remote lessons, a decision that affects some 1.1 million children across 1,600 schools.
NBC News outlets across the region have full school closure lists for Boston, Connecticut, Philadelphia and New York.
Satellite images show weather system over the Northeast
A weather system approaches the northeastern United States this morning in satellite images captured by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Heavy snow blankets central Pennsylvania
Almost 3 inches of snow has fallen in central parts of Pennsylvania as of 4 a.m., with more on the way.
Video posted on X in Northumberland, a town north of Harrisburg, showed a steady stream of snowfall. Kevin Clamato, who made the post, said there was 2.8 inches of snow in 32-degree conditions.
Philadelphia braces for 'heavy snow' during morning commute
The outlook for a swath of the I-95 corridor from Philadelphia to the New York City area includes the likelihood of moderate to heavy snowfall during the morning commute, federal forecasters said late yesterday.
The heaviest snowfall was expected in Pennsylvania and east of New York City south of Interstate 78 from 1 to 4 a.m., the weather service said.
A long band of snow from Philadelphia to New York City was a part of a weather service forecast graphic late yesterday. It applies to the morning hours today.
"Areas near & northwest of the I-95 corridor likely see moderate to heavy snow during the height of rush hour," the service's office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, said on the social media platform X.
"Please keep this in mind!" it said.
Forecast for snowy roads extends into parts of the South
As Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City prepare for the Nor'easter's snow blitz, the weather service yesterday expanded its forecast for snow to include additional parts of the South and mid-Atlantic.
A winter weather advisory, which indicates that freezing rain or 2 to 4 inches of snow is in the forecast, was issued for areas of northern Virginia, the National Weather Service said.
A winter storm warning, which indicates that at least 6 inches of snow is expected to fall in a 12-hour span, was issued for communities in Maryland and West Virginia, it said.
The advisory and warning cover most of the morning hours today. Here's a map that includes the areas covered by the advisory and warning.
For much of the region covered by the weather service's office in Sterling, Virginia — it calls it Baltimore/Washington — rain will transform into "heavy, wet snow," it said.
"Travel could be very difficult," the agency said in a winter weather message.