• More than 5,700 flights cancelled due to snowstorm
• Storm brings record snowfall and widespread power outages

A severe snowstorm hit the U.S. East Coast on Monday, dumping record amounts of snow, disrupting millions, and forcing thousands of flight cancellations.

The National Weather Service reported up to 94 cm of snow in parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and more than 48 cm in New York City’s Central Park. Travel conditions were described as “nearly impossible.”

Over 600,000 homes and businesses lost power, with New Jersey and Massachusetts hardest hit. Winter storm warnings stretched from North Carolina to northern Maine, extending into parts of eastern Canada.

Rhode Island recorded its worst snowstorm ever, with Providence receiving 91 cm, surpassing the previous record of 72.6 cm set in February 1978. Authorities imposed travel bans in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and later Massachusetts, warning of dangerous low-visibility conditions.

Massachusetts saw nearly 300,000 power outages, including 85% of Barnstable County. New York City experienced a near-complete shutdown before the travel ban was lifted at noon local time. Concerns over falling trees and branches added to risks in New Jersey and Connecticut.

Air travel faced massive disruptions: more than 5,706 flights within, into, or out of the U.S. were cancelled. LaGuardia cancelled 98% of flights, JFK 91%, Boston Logan 92%, Newark Liberty 92%, and Philadelphia International 80%.

The storm’s impact is expected to continue on Tuesday, with over 2,000 more flight cancellations, especially in Boston and New York.