New York City gets first blizzard warning in 9 years as storm heads to US’ East Coast. What you need to know

Blizzard warnings have been issued on Saturday for New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut as a major storm is forecast to hit a large part of the East Coast with heavy snow and damaging winds, forecasters said. The forecast by the National Weather Service (NWS) suggests that more than a foot of snow and wind gusts at a speed of over 55mph is projected to hit the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast. The NWS said that flooding is also possible in parts of New York and New Jersey, AP reported. > 🚨 EXTREME ImpactsThe latest Winter Storm Severity Index highlights areas including southeast PA, NJ, Long Island, RI, and southeast MA as having the highest impact level. This means extensive and widespread disruptions to daily life, as well as dangerous or impossible travel. pic.twitter.com/kau1a1iD8r— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) February 22, 2026 🚨 EXTREME ImpactsThe latest Winter Storm Severity Index highlights areas including southeast PA, NJ, Long Island, RI, and southeast MA as having the highest impact level. This means extensive and widespread disruptions to daily life, as well as dangerous or impossible travel. pic.twitter.com/kau1a1iD8r The weather services’ blizzard warning for New York City is first since 2017 and comes as parts of NYC still remain blocked with hilltops of ice, which is leftover from the previous major storm which struck nearly a month ago. NWS stated some of the heaviest snow is projected to fall overnight on Sunday. > 35 million U.S. residents are under a Blizzard Warning this afternoon through Monday. The Mid-Atlantic through New England coasts will see the greatest impacts from this powerful storm. pic.twitter.com/BKgugIeMzG— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) February 22, 2026 35 million U.S. residents are under a Blizzard Warning this afternoon through Monday. The Mid-Atlantic through New England coasts will see the greatest impacts from this powerful storm. pic.twitter.com/BKgugIeMzG The weather service has forecast 1 to 2 feet of snow in several areas. ## NWS blizzard warnings have been issued for: • New York City • Long Island • Southern Connecticut • Coastal communities in New Jersey • Rhode Island • Massachusetts ## What has NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on blizzard warning? New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, during a press conference on Saturday, cautioned that snowfall in the city could go up to 20 inches. The blizzard warning comes into effect at 6am (local time) on Sunday and it is expected to last till 6pm on Monday. > Forecast: 18 – 22 inches of snow. Wind: Strong. Gusts up to 50 mph. Coastal flooding: Possible. Up to 2.5 feet in high tide. Code Blue: Live. Outreach teams working 24/7. Alternate side parking: Suspended Monday. Libraries: Closed Monday. DSNY: Ready to take on the…— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) February 22, 2026 Forecast: 18 – 22 inches of snow. Wind: Strong. Gusts up to 50 mph. Coastal flooding: Possible. Up to 2.5 feet in high tide. Code Blue: Live. Outreach teams working 24/7. Alternate side parking: Suspended Monday. Libraries: Closed Monday. DSNY: Ready to take on the… “We are now expecting between 13 to 17 inches of snow, but there is a slight chance we may see up to 20 inches, if not more,” Mamdani said, adding that efforts by the authorities to get unhoused New Yorkers off the streets to shelters would begin on Saturday noon. According to a Reuters report, a combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds is expected to hit New Jersey to southeastern New England, while Washington DC and Baltimore areas are under winter storm watch. The weather service has stated that the strongest impact of the storm will be on the coast. (with inputs from agencies)