Northeast Buried in Snow as More Flakes Fall

Lingering impacts and recovery efforts underway after massive winter storm

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Light snow fell across parts of the Northeast on Wednesday as residents resumed normal routines following a massive storm that blanketed the region from Maryland to Maine. The storm brought over 3 feet of snow to Rhode Island, exceeding snowfall totals from the historic Blizzard of 1978. Power outages were largely resolved, but nearly 160,000 customers in Massachusetts remained without power. Tragically, a 21-year-old student in Rhode Island died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning after his car's exhaust pipe became blocked by snow. The storm's aftermath also presented significant challenges for people with disabilities, with sidewalks often impassable. Meteorologists calculated the storm's total snowfall could have reached over a mile high if it fell on Manhattan.

Why it matters

The scale of this storm highlights the critical need for accessible snow removal policies and infrastructure to ensure equitable access for all members of the community, particularly during extreme weather events. As climate change drives more severe winter storms, cities must adapt their emergency response plans to better prepare for the increasing frequency and intensity of these weather events.

The details

Light snow fell across parts of the Northeast on Wednesday, with an additional 1-3 inches forecast. The primary concern shifted to hazardous road conditions as melting snow refroze overnight, creating black ice. Cities worked to clear towering snowdrifts, with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani authorizing the spreading of 143 million pounds of salt and enlisting at least 3,500 emergency shovelers to clear bus stops and streets.

  • On Wednesday, light snow fell across parts of the Northeast.
  • Over 3 feet of snow fell in Rhode Island, exceeding snowfall totals from the historic Blizzard of 1978.
  • Nearly 160,000 customers in Massachusetts remained without power early Wednesday, with utility Eversource projecting 99% restoration by Friday.
  • On Tuesday, Rhode Island's T.F. Green International Airport reopened, with some departures resuming Wednesday.
  • Some school districts, including Philadelphia and Boston, resumed in-person classes on Wednesday, while Providence, Rhode Island schools remained closed for a third day, shifting to virtual learning.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who authorized the spreading of 143 million pounds of salt and enlisted at least 3,500 emergency shovelers to clear snow.

Joseph Boutros

A 21-year-old Salve Regina University student who died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning after his car's exhaust pipe became blocked by snow.

Jeff Peters

A spokesperson for the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York, who described sidewalks as often impassable, with narrow, treacherous pathways.

Tina Guenette

A motorized wheelchair user in Harrisville, Rhode Island, who was forced to shovel her own yard after over 33 inches of snow fell, as the town's volunteer program is inactive.

Ryan Maue

A meteorologist who calculated that if the total snowfall had fallen on Manhattan, it would have reached over a mile high.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The scale of this storm highlights the critical need for accessible snow removal policies and infrastructure to ensure equitable access for all members of the community, particularly during extreme weather events.”

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

What’s next

As communities begin the long process of recovery, cities must adapt their infrastructure and emergency response plans to better prepare for increasingly severe winter weather events driven by climate change.

The takeaway

This storm underscores the need for cities to prioritize accessible snow removal and emergency preparedness to ensure all residents, including those with disabilities, can safely navigate their communities during extreme weather events.