A powerful winter storm swept across large parts of the United States, delivering heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain from the Midwest to the East Coast. Millions of residents across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. and Chicago faced dangerous travel conditions, mass flight cancellations, school closures and widespread service disruptions. Snowfall totals climbed into double digits in several regions, with some locations reporting more than 17 inches of accumulation.
As snow transitioned into sleet and freezing rain, officials warned of ice buildup, power outages and hazardous roads, marking one of the most disruptive winter weather events of the season.
Key Highlights of the Nationwide Winter Storm Impact Across the U.S.
- Historic snowfall recorded across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. and Illinois
- Snow totals ranged from 4 inches to more than 17 inches, depending on region
- Prolonged sleet and freezing rain worsened road conditions and compacted snowfall
- Thousands of flights canceled nationwide, marking the highest disruption since the pandemic
- School closures, transit suspensions and emergency alerts issued across multiple states
- National Weather Service confirmed dangerous travel conditions and ice-related risks
Snowfall Totals Across Washington D.C. Region
The Washington D.C. metropolitan area experienced a rapid transition from snow to sleet earlier than expected, though significant snow accumulation still occurred.
Snow totals reported by the National Weather Service included:
Virginia
- Leesburg: 8.3 inches
- Ashburn: 7.8 inches
- Herndon: 7.6 inches
- Falls Church: 7 inches
- Dulles International Airport: 6.2 inches
- Reagan National Airport: 5.3 inches
Maryland
- Bloomfield: 9 inches
- Clarksville: 9 inches
- Elkridge: 9 inches (spotter report)
- Germantown: 7.2 inches
- Ellicott City: 7.3 inches
- BWI Marshall Airport: 7.6 inches
- Clarksburg: 10.8 inches (emergency manager report)
Trained weather spotters also measured 7 inches in D.C.’s Anacostia neighborhood. Meteorologists noted that prolonged sleet compacted snowfall, making accumulation appear less dramatic despite significant totals.
Chicago Area Sees Major Snowfall and Historic Travel Disruptions
The Chicago region was hit hard as a massive winter system blanketed northern Illinois and Indiana with snow.
Chicago Snow Totals
- Chicago Loop: 10.5 inches
- Garfield Park: 9.1 inches
- Evanston: 8 inches
- Midway Airport: 5.9 inches
- O’Hare Airport: 4.4 inches
Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories were issued across Cook County and surrounding areas. Additional snow continued through Sunday night, while lake-effect snow was expected to intensify in northwest Indiana.
Air Travel Chaos
- O’Hare Airport: 626 flight cancellations
- Midway Airport: 111 flight cancellations
Nationwide, Sunday marked the highest number of flight cancellations in a single day since the COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines issued travel waivers as airports struggled to keep runways clear.
Philadelphia Region Buried Under Snow, Sleet and Freezing Rain
The Philadelphia region recorded its heaviest snowfall in five years before snow transitioned to sleet and freezing rain.
Philadelphia City Snowfall
- Philadelphia International Airport: 7.4 inches
- Ben Franklin Bridge: 6.6 inches
- Fox Chase: 7.5 inches
- Rittenhouse Square: 5.7 inches
Pennsylvania Highlights
- New Tripoli: 10.5 inches
- Washington Township (Lehigh County): 11 inches
- Germansville: 10.3 inches
- Pottstown: 9.5 inches
New Jersey and Delaware
- Bayville, NJ: 8 inches
- Point Pleasant Beach, NJ: 9.3 inches
- Trenton Mercer Airport: 7.2 inches
- Dover, DE: 6.5 inches
The National Weather Service warned that ice accumulations of up to a quarter-inch could cause downed trees and power outages.
New Jersey Records the Heaviest Snowfall Totals of the Storm
New Jersey emerged as one of the hardest-hit states, particularly in the northern counties.
Highest Reported Totals
- Stockholm (Sussex County): 17 inches
- Newton: 16 inches
- Sandyston Township: 16 inches
- Leonia (Bergen County): 14.7 inches
- Randolph (Morris County): 14 inches
- Wayne (Passaic County): 14 inches
Snowfall exceeded one foot in dozens of towns across Bergen, Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties. Officials warned that sleet and freezing rain layered on top of the snow could significantly increase accident risks.
New York Sees Widespread Double-Digit Snowfall
Across New York State, early snowfall reports confirmed significant accumulation as the storm continued to intensify.
Eastern New York
- Thiells (Rockland County): 13.5 inches
- Monsey: 13 inches
- Salisbury Mills: 13 inches
- Golden’s Bridge: 12.5 inches
New York City
- Washington Heights: 10.6 inches
- Williamsburg: 10.5 inches
- Central Park: 8.8 inches
- LaGuardia Airport: 9 inches
Forecasters warned that snowfall totals could reach 18 inches or more in some areas as the storm progressed.
Transportation, Schools and City Services Severely Disrupted
- SEPTA suspended most rail, bus and metro services
- NJ Transit suspended all bus, rail and light rail operations
- PATCO operated on modified schedules
- Thousands of schools across multiple states announced closures or remote learning
- Philadelphia activated an Enhanced Code Blue to protect unhoused residents
- Road restrictions and reduced speed limits were imposed across Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Spiritual Perspective: Understanding Natural Calamities Through the Unique Knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj
In times of widespread natural disruptions like severe winter storms, the unique spiritual knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj offers a deeper perspective beyond physical causes. He explains that such calamities are reminders of the transient nature of material life and the consequences of human actions against natural and moral laws.
According to his teachings, true safety and peace are achieved not merely through technological preparedness but through correct spiritual understanding, righteous living, and devotion based on true scriptures. This knowledge encourages humanity to adopt moral values, compassion, and spiritual awareness to reduce suffering and restore balance in life.
A Storm That Redefined This Winter Season
This winter storm stands out not just for snowfall totals, but for its scale, duration and impact. From packed airports to silent train stations, from buried neighborhoods to icy highways, the storm reshaped daily life across vast portions of the U.S. Meteorologists emphasized that while snowstorms are common, the combination of heavy snow, prolonged sleet and widespread freezing rain made this event particularly dangerous.
As recovery efforts continue and colder temperatures persist, authorities urge residents to remain cautious while communities slowly dig out from one of the most disruptive winter storms in recent years.
FAQs on the Historic U.S. Winter Storm Impacting NY, NJ, Philly, DC and Chicago
1. How much snow did the winter storm dump across the U.S.?
Snowfall ranged from 4 inches to over 17 inches, with some New Jersey towns reporting the highest totals and multiple regions recording double-digit accumulation.
2. Which state recorded the highest snowfall in this winter storm?
New Jersey saw the highest snowfall, with Stockholm in Sussex County reporting about 17 inches, the most reported total during the storm.
3. Why did travel become extremely dangerous during the storm?
Heavy snow followed by sleet and freezing rain caused icy roads, poor visibility, airport shutdowns, transit suspensions and widespread flight cancellations.
4. How did the storm affect flights and airports nationwide?
Thousands of flights were canceled, marking the highest single-day cancellation rate since the COVID-19 pandemic, severely disrupting air travel across major U.S. hubs.
5. What warnings were issued by weather authorities during the storm?
The National Weather Service issued Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories, citing heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages.
