Snowstorm hits New York: State of emergency declared and travel ban imposed
New York under white siege: State of emergency and total lockdown
Authorities in New York City declared a state of emergency and issued a complete ban on non-essential travel, closing schools as millions of residents stayed indoors amid a powerful snowstorm battering the northeastern United States. The National Weather Service reported that heavy snow continued to fall, reaching up to 37.8 centimeters in some areas, bringing the city that never sleeps to a near standstill.
General context: “Northern” storms and extreme weather phenomena
The northeastern United States is accustomed to harsh winters, often characterized by "nor'easter" storms—powerful weather systems that form along the East Coast and are known for their fierce winds and heavy snowfall. These storms are fueled by the temperature difference between the relatively cold Atlantic Ocean and polar air masses originating in Canada. In recent years, scientists have linked the increased intensity of these events to climate change, which is affecting the stability of the polar vortex, allowing extremely cold air to penetrate southward and cause unprecedented frosts and blizzards.
Storm impact: Local paralysis and widespread regional repercussions
The storm's impact wasn't limited to New York City; it extended to tens of millions of residents in a metropolitan area stretching from Washington, D.C., to Maine in the far northeast. Locally, 23 to 28 centimeters of snow blanketed Manhattan and Brooklyn, prompting authorities to close highways and bridges to all non-essential vehicles. Regionally, the storm caused the cancellation of thousands of flights at major airports such as John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark, disrupting the entire U.S. air travel network. The National Weather Service warned that travel in the region had become "extremely hazardous" due to "freezing fog" and near-zero visibility, which obscured the skyscrapers of Wall Street.
Preparations and logistical challenges
Major cities like New York face immense logistical challenges during such storms. Emergency crews work around the clock to clear snow from main streets to ensure access for ambulances and police. Power outages are a major concern, as heavy snow and wind can bring down power lines, leaving thousands of residents exposed to freezing temperatures. This storm is reminiscent of the city's history with infamous blizzards, such as the one in 1996, and underscores the importance of proactive planning and infrastructure development to cope with increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events.
