A powerful snowstorm named Hernando has paralyzed the northeastern coast of the United States, affecting over 40 million residents. In New York, the heaviest snowfall since 2021 was recorded, reaching nearly 40 centimeters in some districts. The disaster forced the cancellation of over 10,000 flights worldwide, including numerous connections from Europe. Seven states have decided to declare a state of emergency due to extreme weather conditions and flood risks.

Air Travel Paralysis

Over 10,000 flights have been canceled in the USA and Europe, including connections from Poland, Italy, and Ireland to New York and Boston.

Record Snowfall

New York received up to 40 cm of snow, and New Jersey even 60 cm, marking the highest amount in five years.

States of Emergency in the East

Seven states, including Massachusetts and New Jersey, have implemented extraordinary safety measures due to life-threatening conditions.

Closed Schools and Infrastructure

Hundreds of schools have suspended classes, and roads and bridges have been temporarily closed due to icing and strong winds.

Snowstorm Hernando has caused unprecedented transportation chaos on the East Coast of the United States. The most severe situation is in New Jersey, where the snow cover reached 60 cm, and in New York. In the New York metropolitan area, emergency management agencies report snowfall of 25-35 cm in Manhattan and the Bronx. The scale of the phenomenon is so large that the city is under a full snow alert for the first time in nine years. The effects of the weather impact are felt far beyond the US borders. The global transport network is grappling with a domino effect; by Tuesday, over 10,000 flights had been canceled in total. Carriers such as Lufthansa and Ita Airways suspended flights from key airports in Rome, Milan, and Venice. Similar disruptions affected Ireland, where several transatlantic flights to Boston and New York were canceled at Dublin and Shannon airports. Historically, the strongest blizzards in the northeastern US, called "Nor'easters," form from the collision of cold air masses from Canada with warm, moist air from the Gulf Stream, leading to a rapid drop in pressure. Authorities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Rhode Island have declared a state of emergency. Hundreds of schools have been closed, and in New York, some educational facilities have been converted into aid centers for the homeless and those in need. Utility crews are battling power outages and removing fallen trees. Meteorologists warn that strong winds may cause blizzards and drastically reduce visibility, making land travel extremely dangerous. „Storm Hernando potentially paralyzes many areas in the northeast US.” — Brian Hurley The situation remains developing, and airlines are urging passengers to check flight statuses before heading to airports. Although the intensity of the snowfall is expected to weaken by the end of the week, clearing the aftermath of the storm will take many days.

Perspektywy mediów: Highlights social challenges, such as shelters for the homeless and the impact of climate change on extreme weather events. Focuses on economic losses, paralysis of aviation infrastructure, and the efficiency of state services in crisis management.

Mentioned People

  • Brian Hurley — Senior forecaster at the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.