Northeast US Digs Out from Brutal Snowstorm

Flights disrupted, schools closed as region recovers from record-breaking storm

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A major snowstorm blanketed the northeastern United States on Monday, canceling flights, disrupting transit, and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. While the snow has moved north, another storm is expected to bring more precipitation to the region on Wednesday, complicating cleanup efforts. Many schools remained closed on Tuesday, though New York City's public school system reopened despite concerns from some parents and teachers.

Why it matters

The storm was one of the strongest to hit the Northeast in a decade, dumping over 2 feet of snow in some areas and breaking records set during the historic Blizzard of 1978. The disruptions to transportation, power, and schooling highlight the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events, which are expected to become more frequent due to climate change.

The details

The storm forced the cancellation of roughly 2,200 flights on Tuesday, primarily affecting airports in New York, New Jersey, and Boston. In Rhode Island, the T.F. Green International Airport saw a record-breaking 38 inches of snow, surpassing the previous record set in 1978. While roads and mass transit are gradually reopening, the cleanup effort remains ongoing, with cities deploying snow melters and establishing additional snow dumping sites.

  • The storm hit the Northeast on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • The storm was described as the strongest in a decade.
  • The storm broke the record for snowfall in Rhode Island, surpassing the Blizzard of 1978.
  • Another storm is expected to bring more precipitation to the region on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who decided to keep the city's public schools open on Tuesday despite concerns from some parents and teachers.

Kamar Samuels

The Schools Chancellor in New York City who supported the mayor's decision to reopen schools.

Danielle Obloj

A parent of a Brooklyn fifth-grader who disagreed with the decision to reopen schools, saying "They should never have let these kids come back to school."

Raul Garcia

A parent who praised the city's snow-clearing efforts, saying "It was much better than last time — an easy commute, no problems whatsoever."

Frank Pereira

A meteorologist for the National Weather Service who warned that the upcoming storm, while not as strong, could still complicate cleanup efforts.

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What they’re saying

“We're walking on thin ice here. One more day would've been fine. They should never have let these kids come back to school.”

— Danielle Obloj, parent of a Brooklyn fifth grader

“It was much better than last time — an easy commute, no problems whatsoever.”

— Raul Garcia

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This storm highlights the Northeast's vulnerability to extreme weather events, which are expected to become more frequent due to climate change. The region's ability to respond to and recover from such disruptions will be crucial in the years ahead.