Northeast US Battles Massive Snow Piles as New Storm Looms

Cities scramble to clear streets and sidewalks after record snowfall, but another winter blast is on the way.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A powerful snowstorm this week dumped over 3 feet of snow across the Northeast US, leaving cities like New York, Boston, and Providence struggling to clear towering piles of snow and ice. With another storm expected on Wednesday, officials are racing to make roads and sidewalks passable, especially for those with disabilities. The storm has caused widespread power outages, flight cancellations, and at least one death due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Why it matters

The back-to-back winter storms have created major accessibility issues and public safety concerns in densely populated Northeast cities. The ability to clear snow and ice quickly is crucial for emergency services, public transit, and ensuring all residents can safely navigate their communities.

The details

Snowplows have been working around the clock to clear roads for ambulances and fire trucks, while city workers in places like New York City are using warm water to melt massive snow and ice piles. However, many sidewalks remain impassable, cutting off access for people using wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. The storm has also caused widespread power outages, with over 173,000 customers still without electricity in Massachusetts.

  • On Monday, the Northeast was hit with a powerful snowstorm that dropped over 3 feet of snow in some areas.
  • On Tuesday evening, New York City had spread 143 million pounds of salt and signed up at least 3,500 emergency shovelers.
  • On Wednesday, a new storm originating in the Great Lakes is expected to bring a combination of rain and snow to the region.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City.

Jeff Peters

Spokesperson for the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York.

Tina Guenette

A resident of Harrisville, Rhode Island who uses a motorized wheelchair.

Joseph Boutros

A 21-year-old Salve Regina University student who died from carbon monoxide poisoning while trapped in a snow-covered vehicle.

Ryan Maue

A former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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What they’re saying

“You'll find a portion of a sidewalk that is clear, and then there's maybe a 6-inch (15-cm) pathway that can only be walked with one foot in front of the other and no room for a stroller, rollator, walker or crutches. Then you get to the corner and not only is it unshoveled, but you have basically a glacier at the end of it.”

— Jeff Peters, Spokesperson, Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York

“I really have no choice if my service dog wants to go outside.”

— Tina Guenette

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 has highlighted the urgent need for cities in the Northeast to improve snow removal and accessibility, especially for people with disabilities, to ensure public safety and mobility during severe winter weather.