Historic nor’easter to slam I-95 corridor, feet of snow, blizzard conditions, and life-threatening travel

Last Updated: February 22, 2026By

A historic nor’easter blizzard is bearing down on the I-95 corridor and could become one of the most significant snow events in years. 

Nearly 7,000 flights have already been canceled through Tuesday as this major winter storm is forecast to unleash heavy snow and widespread blizzard conditions from Delaware to Massachusetts, impacting millions of people.

LIVE UPDATES: NYC, BOSTON, PHILLY BRACE FOR HISTORIC BLIZZARD ‘BOMB,’ 2+ FEET OF SNOW EXPECTED

States of Emergency have been issued for New York and New Jersey and could expand with the strength of the storm.

Winter weather Alerts through Monday
(FOX Weather)

 

Blizzard Warnings are in effect for 30 million people from Maryland to Massachusetts, including in New York City, New Haven, Connecticut, Providence, Rhode Island and Boston.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, this is the first Blizzard Warning in New York City since March 2017, and since January 2022 for Boston and Providence, highlighting the strength of this storm.

The Blizzard of 2026 is rapidly intensifying as a low-pressure system moves off the North Carolina coast Sunday. Forecasts show the storm dropping around 40 millibars in just 24 hours — nearly double the threshold for bombogenesis — signaling that explosive strengthening is likely.

This rapidly deepening storm is expected to unleash near-zero visibility across the heavily populated I-95 corridor, posing a serious threat to travel and safety.

POWERFUL NOR’EASTER BOMB CYCLONE TO SLAM NORTHEAST CITIES WITH BIGGEST SNOWSTORM IN YEARS, DUMPING OVER A FOOT

Snow outlook through Monday
(FOX Weather)

 

Snowfall totals of 1 to more than 2 feet are expected along much of the corridor, with intense snowfall rates and strong winds likely to create dangerous, potentially life-threatening travel conditions and scattered power outages. 

In several major cities, this storm could rank among the top 10 — and possibly even the top five — snowstorms on record.

Power outage outlook through Tuesday
(FOX Weather)

 

Coastal flooding is another concern for coastal areas from Delaware to Maine, with Coastal Flood Warnings in effect Sunday night and lasting until Tuesday.

Significant beach erosion is likely with up to 3 feet of coastal flooding possible.  

Around mid-morning, the storm will be fully off the coast and will begin the process of bombing out. At this time, those across central Pennsylvania down into northern Virginia, will notice the snow picking up. 

TIMELINE: WHEN YOU WILL SEE FIRST IMPACTS FROM THE HISTORIC BLIZZARD NOR’EASTER ‘BOMBING OUT’ IN THE NORTHEAST

New York should be all snow by 1 p.m., Philadelphia by 3p.m. and Washington DC, Baltimore by 5p.m. 

As the sun sets, conditions will rapidly go downhill as the storm explosively intensifies off the coast. 

Extremely heavy snow will develop during the overnight hours. Snow rates of 1 inch per hour are expected, with even 2 inches per hour likely as well. 

Some spots could even see rates peak at an incredible 3–4 inches per hour. 

NOR’EASTER TRAVEL ALERT: MONSTER BLIZZARD TO PARALYZE MAJOR NORTHEAST AIRPORTS, ROADS WITH INTENSE SNOW, WINDS

At this point, travel will be dangerous to near impossible. 

Peak wind gust forecast through Monday
(FOX Weather)

 

High winds will produce gusts up to 60 mph from the Jersey Shore over toward Long Island overnight, with Philadelphia and New York seeing gusts over 40 mph during this time. 

As the sun rises on Monday, the blizzard will be in full force. 

Heavy snow will be breaking out across Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, accumulating between 1–3 inches each hour. 

With winds continuing to strengthen, potentially topping 70 mph on the east end of Long Island and up into southeast New England, power outages, potentially widespread, will be very likely as the wind continues to blow all while heavy snow piles onto the branches of trees. 

Snowfall of 1–2 feet is expected from Philadelphia to Boston, with the FOX Forecast Center calling for New Jersey and eastern Massachusetts to likely be the “jackpot” of this major storm.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

These areas could see bands of intense snow, and several cities may experience one of their top 10, or even top 5, snowstorms on record.

Stick with FOX Weather for the latest updates as this storm continues to develop.


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