A major winter storm is expected to impact New York City and large parts of the northeastern United States.
In the backdrop of worsening weather conditions, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has declared a citywide travel ban, while Air India has cancelled its flights to and from New York and Newark scheduled for February 24.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Mayor Mamdani said that a citywide restriction on movement would come into force from 9 pm on Sunday and remain in effect until 12 pm on Monday.
He stated that the “state of emergency closes the streets, highways and bridges of New York City for all traffic, cars, trucks, scooters and E bikes.”
He also said that the order would not apply to essential workers and residents who need to travel due to emergencies.
Urging for safety, he said, “we are asking New Yorkers to avoid all non essential travel.” He further noted the seriousness of the situation, adding, “New York City has not faced a storm of this scale in the last decade.”
Mayor Mamdani Holds Press Conference to Provide Weather Updates https://t.co/d7txgmpbiH
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) February 22, 2026
According to a report, authorities have issued a blizzard warning for New York City for the first time in nearly ten years.
Quoting officials the report stated that snow and storm alerts extend from the Mid-Atlantic region to the Northeast and that the heaviest snowfall and strongest winds are expected between Sunday and Monday.
What is a Blizzard ?
According to The Providence Journal, the National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm that contains large amounts of snow or blowing snow, with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than 1/4 mile for an extended period of time (at least 3 hours).
A blizzard is not defined solely by heavy snowfall or extreme cold. The key factor is low visibility caused by strong winds. Even if no new snow is falling, powerful winds can lift and blow around snow that is already on the ground, creating whiteout conditions that meet the criteria for a blizzard.
Air India Cancels Flights
Air India has announced that its operations at New York and Newark airports have been affected due to the blizzard and heavy snowfall.
In a post on its official ‘X' account, the airline said, “Airport operations at New York and Newark have been affected due to the blizzard, resulting in heavy snowfall. In view of the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew, Air India flights to and from New York and Newark have been cancelled on 24 February.”
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The airline further informed passengers that assistance would be provided. “Our teams on the ground will be extending support and assistance to all of you who are booked to fly with us on this date,” the statement read. Passengers were advised to contact the airline's 24×7 Call Centre at +91 11 69329333 or +91 11 69329999 for further information. The airline also requested travellers to check its official website, http://airindia.com, for updates.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) February 23, 2026
Airport operations at New York and Newark have been affected due to the blizzard, resulting in heavy snowfall. In view of the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew, Air India flights to and from New York and Newark have been cancelled on 24 February.…
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