Rhode Island Joins Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Connecticut as Record Setting Snow Siege Paralyzes Cities and Sparks Widespread Public Safety Alerts

Rhode Island joins Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Connecticut as an unprecedented snowstorm grips the Northeast, bringing cities to a standstill and prompting widespread public safety alerts. The powerful nor’easter unleashed up to 38 inches of snow in parts of the region, creating perilous driving conditions, halting transportation, and forcing officials to enforce emergency travel bans. Major roads in both urban and coastal areas remain closed, while airports reported mass cancellations, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. Fierce winds and heavy snow toppled trees and power lines, causing outages that left thousands of homes in the dark. Authorities continue to warn residents to stay indoors, avoid non-essential travel, and follow safety advisories as crews work tirelessly to clear roads and restore critical services.

The storm’s impact is still being felt across the Northeast as communities dig out from historic snowfall. Even with the blizzard having moved offshore, recovery efforts continue at full pace, with highway crews, utility teams, and emergency personnel battling icy roads and snowdrifts to bring the region back to normal.

The massive nor’easter blanketed large parts of the region with extraordinary snowfall totals. According to the National Weather Service, some communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island recorded close to three feet of snow, while more than two feet accumulated across portions of the New York tri-state area. The storm triggered widespread transportation disruptions, grounded flights, shut down schools, and caused thousands of power outages along the East Coast.

While conditions are gradually improving, officials across several states urged residents to remain cautious as icy roads and frigid temperatures continue to pose hazards.

Rhode Island Lifts Statewide Travel Ban After Historic Snowfall

Rhode Island imposed one of the strictest measures during the storm, enacting a statewide travel ban that prohibited all non-emergency motor vehicle traffic. The order, which began at 7 p.m. local time on February 22, was designed to allow plow crews and emergency responders to operate without interference.

The restriction was lifted at noon local time on February 24 as road conditions improved.

The state experienced record-setting snowfall during the event. At T.F. Green International Airport, located in Warwick, snowfall totals reached approximately 38 inches, marking one of the highest accumulations ever recorded there. Emergency vehicles and supply transport trucks were the only exceptions permitted during the height of the ban.

Massachusetts Maintains Restrictions in Coastal Counties

In Massachusetts, where several towns reported nearly three feet of snowfall, travel restrictions remain in place for select coastal counties.

Non-essential motor vehicle travel has been restricted in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties, as well as on Martha’s Vineyard. These areas include heavily impacted regions such as the South Shore, the South Coast bordering Rhode Island, and parts of Cape Cod.

Authorities stated that the restrictions would remain active until highway officials determine that roads are safe for widespread travel. Exceptions continue for emergency responders, healthcare workers, public safety personnel, and other essential employees.

Road-clearing operations are ongoing, with crews working around the clock to remove heavy snowdrifts and treat icy surfaces.

New York City Reopens Roads but Urges Vigilance

In New York City, a temporary travel ban was lifted at noon on February 23. Despite the easing of restrictions, city officials warned that road conditions remain dangerous due to lingering ice and below-freezing temperatures.

Residents have been encouraged to rely on public transportation where possible and to avoid unnecessary travel. Public schools in the city are scheduled to reopen on February 24, marking the first full snow day in several years.

The broader New York metropolitan area saw snowfall totals exceeding two feet in some locations, contributing to major flight cancellations and commuter disruptions.

New Jersey Removes Restrictions as Cleanup Continues

New Jersey authorities lifted travel restrictions for general vehicles at noon on February 23. A separate restriction affecting commercial vehicles was removed later that afternoon.

Although formal bans have ended, officials cautioned that strong winds and freezing temperatures may refreeze melted snow, creating slick and hazardous driving conditions. Cleanup crews are continuing overnight operations to ensure major highways and local roads are fully cleared.

Delaware and Connecticut Ease Remaining Controls

In Delaware, all driving restrictions have been lifted statewide. Earlier in the storm, Kent and Sussex counties were placed under full driving bans that were later downgraded before being removed entirely. New Castle County also experienced temporary restrictions.

Parts of Delaware recorded snowfall totals reaching up to 18 inches.

Connecticut implemented a commercial vehicle travel ban beginning February 22 at 5 p.m., which remained in effect until 4 p.m. on February 23. That restriction has since been lifted, though transportation officials continue monitoring road safety conditions.

Recovery Efforts Ongoing Across the Region

Even as official travel bans are rescinded, recovery from the powerful nor’easter is far from complete. Utility crews are restoring power in affected neighborhoods, while airport operations gradually return to normal following widespread flight cancellations.

Meteorologists note that while the storm system has exited the region, its aftermath continues to present challenges. Deep snowpack, icy roadways, and dangerously low temperatures remain key concerns for residents across the Northeast.

Rhode Island joins Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Connecticut as a record-setting snow siege dumps up to 38 inches across the Northeast, paralyzing cities, halting travel, and prompting widespread public safety alerts. Emergency road closures, flight cancellations, and power outages leave residents navigating dangerous conditions as crews race to restore normalcy.

As the Northeast begins to recover from this record-setting snowstorm, officials continue urging caution as icy roads, power outages, and travel disruptions persist. With crews working around the clock to clear streets, restore electricity, and reopen transportation networks, residents are advised to follow safety guidelines and stay informed until conditions fully stabilize. The historic nor’easter serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme winter weather and the importance of preparedness during such powerful storms.

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