State of Emergency declared for New York and New Jersey as winter storm sweeeps across Northeast, U.S.
A powerful winter storm swept through the U.S. Northeast on December 26–27, 2025, triggering states of emergency in New Jersey and New York, dropping nearly 30 cm (12 inches) of snow and leaving over 120 000 customers without power.
Snwo plow clearing roads in New York as a major winter drops heavy snow across the Northeast U.S. on December 26, 2025. Credit: NYSDOT
A strong winter storm brought widespread snow, ice, and gusty winds across the Northeast starting Friday evening into Saturday, December 27. Around 120 000 customers were reportedly out of power across Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey during the storm’s peak.
A State of Emergency was declared for New Jersey on Friday as snow intensified and temperatures dropped below −4°C (25°F) in some areas.
Gusts reached around 65 km/h (40 mph) along the coast creating drifting snow and temporary road closures. Around 38 000 customers were out of power across the state .
“Starting this afternoon, we will experience a severe winter storm bringing dangerous outdoor conditions to our state,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way.
“This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel. We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to the roads. Drivers should plan their travel accordingly, monitor conditions and road closures, and follow all safety protocols.”
Snowfall all night throughout Long Island. There’s been low visibility in many areas. But @NYSDOT plows are clearing roads, so stay back and #DontCrowdThePlow. #LIwx #NYwx pic.twitter.com/OcBjdgvH9g
— NYSDOT Long Island (@nysdotli) December 27, 2025
A Winter Storm Warning was issued New York for the first time in three years. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency on Friday evening for more than half of New York counties, including Wayne County.
“I am declaring a State of Emergency for counties affected by this weekend’s winter storm. Take precautions to stay safe: Avoid unnecessary travel and sign up for emergency alerts by texting your county or borough to 333111,” said Governor Hochul.
Snowfall totals reached 29 cm (11.5 inches) near Hartwick, New York, reported CT Insider. Meanwhile, Central Park recorded 11 cm (4.3 inches) by Saturday morning. Wind gusts of 60 km/h (37 mph) were recorded in Long Island and southern Westchester County.
While you were sleeping, our snow and ice crews were not!
— NYSDOT (@NYSDOT) December 27, 2025
Overnight snow was intense in parts of NYS. As the storm winds down this morning, NYSDOT crews remain out clearing roads and addressing slick spots. If you are traveling, slow down and give plows room to work. pic.twitter.com/peoLIvI6or
Meanwhile in Connecticut around 23 cm (9 inches) was reported in of Torrington and around 20 cm (8 inches) in Hartford County. Snowfall rates went over 2.5 cm (1 inch) per hour at times overnight before tapering off by Saturday afternoon.
A mix of snow and freezing rain across parts of Pennsylvania, particularly across western and central regions. Icing of 2–5 mm (0.08–0.2 inches) was reported in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, causing localized power failures and dangerous driving conditions.
Over 2 300 flights were canceled and 3 800 were delayed at JFK, Newark, LaGuardia, and Philadelphia airports by Saturday afternoon.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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