New York City and New Jersey announced travel bans, airlines canceled thousands of flights, and even Broadway shows were canceled Sunday evening as a fierce winter storm approached the Northeastern U.S., prompting blizzard warnings from Maryland to Massachusetts.

Snow began falling in New Jersey and New York as the storm moved northward. The National Weather Service warned of the possibility of 1 to 2 feet of snow in many areas along with heavy winds, leading to poor visibility and urging residents to avoid travel.

Blizzard warnings were issued for several states in the region, and state of emergency declarations were made as officials prepared for the impact of the storm.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani imposed a ban on non-emergency travel on all streets, and regional airports canceled flights ahead of the storm. Landmarks like the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., also announced closures.

Key Points:

• Heaviest snowfall expected overnight Sunday into Monday
• Potential for whiteout conditions and prolonged power outages
• Possibility of the storm meeting the definition of a bomb cyclone
• Cancellation of in-person and virtual classes for city schools

The storm was expected to bring heavy snowfall overnight, with strong winds causing hazardous conditions. Officials were concerned about the combination of extreme snow amounts and wind leading to potential power outages.

With the storm approaching, preparations for major snow clearing operations were underway, with businesses and individuals getting ready for the significant snowfall.

More than 3,500 flights were canceled across the U.S. as airports braced for the impact of the storm, causing widespread disruptions.

As the Northeast braced for the winter storm, residents and officials were taking necessary precautions to ensure safety and minimize the storm’s impact.