New York snowstorm: Emergency declared, flights canceled, and complete paralysis
New York City and the northeastern states of the United States continue to deal with the aftermath of one of the strongest snowstorms to hit the region in years, with the storm causing near-total paralysis of daily life, prompting the continuation of the state of emergency despite the partial lifting of some restrictions.
Details of the snowstorm and its impact on New York
New York City authorities have declared a state of emergency in the city following a severe snowstorm that swept across the northeastern United States. The storm, known as a "Nor'easter" phenomenon, dumped more than 15 inches of snow on several areas of the city, marking the heaviest snowfall since 2021. City officials confirmed in press briefings that municipal agencies are working at full capacity to address the effects of the "unprecedented" winter weather, emphasizing that the city remains in an emergency response phase to ensure the safety of residents and restore essential services.
The historical and climatic context of the storm
This storm breaks a period of relative calm in heavy snowfall that the region has experienced over the past two years. "Northern Easter" storms are powerful cyclones that strike the East Coast of North America, characterized by northeasterly winds. Meteorologists indicate that the increasing frequency of such powerful storms reflects climate change, which is intensifying extreme weather events and putting the infrastructure of major cities like New York to a real test of its resilience.
Emergency measures and suspension of transport
Authorities in several northeastern US states issued severe weather warnings for more than 40 million people. In New York, a temporary travel ban was imposed, restricting movement to essential travel only, and schools and non-essential government offices were closed—measures similar to those taken by neighboring states like New Jersey and Rhode Island. Although the travel ban was later lifted, warnings about driving on slippery roads remained in place.
Losses in the aviation sector and the economy
The storm's impact wasn't limited to roads; it extended to air travel as well. According to the tracking service FlightAware, more than 5,600 flights to and from the United States were canceled, and hundreds more were delayed. This major disruption to air traffic is expected to have a significant impact on the local and regional economy, as such closures can cause millions of dollars in losses due to business disruptions and supply chain outages.
Population reactions varied
Amid the snowdrifts, local residents had mixed reactions. While some expressed frustration with the recurring storms, like Vincent Greer of New Jersey who said, "I'm fed up, I don't want to see any more snow," others found the scene enjoyable. Chris Crowell, a New Yorker, described the scene at Grand Central Station as "fantastic, the view is truly magnificent.".
The National Weather Service expects the snowfall to gradually decrease, but warned of continued strong winds that could hinder snow removal operations and affect power lines.
