East Coast Braces for Impact: Explosive Bomb Cyclone Puts Millions at Risk

Nearly 30 million Americans find themselves under weather advisories as a colossal winter storm barrels toward the East Coast, leading to a rare blizzard warning being issued for New York City.

This formidable storm is poised to unleash some of its most intense conditions on eastern Massachusetts, with powerful winds anticipated in areas like Cape Cod and Nantucket, where gusts could exceed 70 mph.

Residents across New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania are also being cautioned to prepare for frigid weather.

In New York City, where the heaviest snowfall is projected, snow accumulation is expected to start around 7 p.m. on Sunday and could continue until noon on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters are anticipating snowfall totals ranging from 13 to 20 inches in some parts of the city, fueled by an approaching bomb cyclone.

They have issued the the first blizzard warning issued for New York City since March 2017 as a result.

Officials warned that travel would become ‘dangerous, if not impossible’ with power outages and downed tree limbs likely due to the snow and winds.

The storm could also trigger moderate coastal flooding of up to 2.5 feet potentially affecting the Hudson River. Vehicles parked near the water may be at the risk of flooding, the weather service said.

13 to 18 inches of snow were predicted to hit New York City, although the National Weather Service warned that could be more

The heaviest snowfall in New York City was expected between 7pm Sunday and noon Monday, with locals placed under an unusual blizzard warning

The unusual blizzard warning was issued as officials warned the storm could continue to strengthen and drive snowfall totals even higher.

Forecasts predict the system’s pressure to intensify rapidly, forming what is known as a bomb cyclone or an Arctic hurricane.

In an even stronger storm scenario, Central Park could receive up to 21 inches of snow, while JFK and Newark airports could see as much as 23 inches.

The odds of that outcome were placed at around 25 percent by New York City Emergency Management on X.

If the projections hold, the storm would bring the city’s heaviest snow since February 1, 2021, when 14.8 inches fell.

This weekend’s massive snow storm is predicted to initially develop off the coast of the Carolinas and then move northward along the coast.

The National Weather Service has also upgraded southern Delaware and the Jersey Shore to blizzard warnings.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency starting noon Sunday ahead of what she called a ‘severe’ storm. 

Central Park could even see up to 21 inches of snow in a stronger scenario for this weekend’s winter storm

In Connecticut, officials activated the state’s emergency management plan to assist residents in need during the storm. 

Officials in Delaware urged residents to limit travel to ’emergencies only’ and advised anyone who must venture out to carry a ‘winter survival kit’ due to the storm’s severity. 

Some communities in Pennsylvania declared states of emergencies, although the state was yet to do so as of Saturday afternoon. 

Washington DC and Philadelphia are forecast to be hit before the storm eventually reaches New York.

Boston has also been issued a blizzard warning through 7am Tuesday.

Major travel disruptions, likely lasting days, are likely at airports across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

The New York City Emergency Management service warned that blizzard conditions typically cause widespread flight cancellations, delays, and ground stops at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark.

Delays were expected at regional airports in wake of the snow storm, with New York City authorities already warning that cancellations and delays were typical after blizzard condition

Authorities warned that travel would become ‘dangerous, if not impossible’ given the likely power outages and downed tree limbs

The latest storm arrives just weeks after a separate system blanketed the city, with the snow just having melted in New York City.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said officials were better prepared this time. During the previous storm, at least 18 people were found dead outdoors.

In response, Mamdani has resumed homeless encampment sweeps across all five boroughs.

He said the Department of Homeless Services would now lead the sweeps, rather than the New York City Police Department.