February 2026 nor'easter
A major, potentially historic blizzard, unofficially named Winter Storm Hernando by the Weather Channel and various government and media outlets, or more commonly the Blizzard of 2026, is expected to affect the Northeastern United States from February 22–23, 2026. The storm is forecasted to drop as much as of snow across much of the Northeast megalopolis and bring blizzard conditions, strong gusty winds, and coastal flooding to the shorelines of the region. Originating out of a shortwave trough that moved ashore on the West Coast of the United States on February 20, the system swiftly moved eastwards across the country before beginning to consolidate late the following day. A new surface low developed off the southeastern United States early on February 22 and began moving north, eventually turning into a nor'easter.
Officials warned of heavy precipitation in various U.S. metropolitan areas, some of which were predicted to be new records. Blizzard warnings were issued for a majority of the Interstate 95 corridor, the first in four years since 2022, and in New York City since a blizzard in 2017. States of emergencies were declared in states such as New Jersey, New York and large portions of New England.
Meteorological history
As early as February 16, 2026, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) began highlighting the potential for a coastal storm to develop off the Northeastern U.S. during the February 20–23 timeframe. Key factors in the development included a shortwave trough originating from the Pacific Ocean. Forecasts were very uncertain initially as various forecasting models depicted differing tracks of the storm which would determine the level of impacts across the coastal areas. On February 19, the shortwave trough moved ashore on the West Coast of the United States in the state of California. The disturbance moved eastward across the Rocky Mountains the following day, dropping light snowfall accumulations across a small portion of the High Plains. By February 21, a stationary front was situated over the southeastern United States; where the main low was expected to form along.
As the mid- and upper-level disturbances aligned in a more favorable orientation, cyclogenesis led the formation of a new surface low with a pressure of off the North Carolina coast early on February 22, which began moving northeastwards.
Preparations
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United States
Winter storm watches were issued on February 20 for much of the coastal areas of the Northeastern United States, encompassing areas from Washington DC to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of possible blizzard conditions on areas such as Long Island and regions closer to the ocean in anticipation of strong gusty winds and whiteout conditions. By February 21, blizzard warnings were issued for parts of eastern Delaware, all of New Jersey, into New York City—the first such warning issued there since March 2017—and all the way into New England. It was also the first blizzard warning for Boston since January 2022. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 71 from the Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi was sent to gather data on the environment on February 21.
Mid-Atlantic
New York and New Jersey
On February 20, PSEG Long Island (PSEG) stated that they were monitoring the approaching storm and warned residents about strong winds and heavy snowfall with the likelihood of power outages. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for 22 counties on February 21, including the activation of over 100 members of its National Guard. A travel ban was issued for all commercial vehicles and tractor trailers from Interstate 84 and points south, including the New York State Thruway, beginning at 4 p.m. EST on February 22. Metro-North Railroad announced they would be running hourly schedules for the Harlem, New Haven, and Hudson lines, while the Long Island Rail Road would operate a Sunday schedule for February 23. The New York, Brooklyn and Queens public libraries announced they would all close on February 22. In New York City, where roughly 18–24 inches (46–61 cm) of snow were anticipated, Mayor Zohran Mandami said the city would begin preparing salt and snowplow operations on Saturday, February 21, with the New York City Department of Sanitation moving to a 12-hour schedule with 5,000 workers beginning on February 22, before the onset of the storm. On February 22, Mamdani announced the closure of all public schools. 
On February 21, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency in advance of the storm. She urged all residents to stay off the roads at all times during the event. The state's Department of Transportation (NJDOT) confirmed that around 3,400 workers were prepared to start salting and pretreating roads and was scheduled to be activated on February 22. Some stores, closer to the Jersey Shore, where the worst impacts were expected, reported that they were running low on salt supplies due to residents beginning to buy snow preparation equipment, which had just been restocked fully following significant depletion after a major winter storm in January. Most colleges in the state, including Rutgers University, the College of New Jersey, Rowan University, Montclair State University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology moved all classes for February 23 to virtual learning as a result. In Atlantic City, officials warned any residents or visitors to the casinos to avoid traveling, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods at extensive risk of coastal flooding from the powerful storm.
Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware
In Pennsylvania, its Department of Transportation (PennDOT) said that approximately 60,000 tons of salt were ready across five counties. Additionally, over 170 trucks were set to deploy and began pretreating roadways on February 21, having been delayed by a day due to wet roads from rain that moved through on February 19. Snow emergencies were declared in multiple communities. A "code blue" was declared for Philadelphia in effect from February 22–25, citing below freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Warming centers were opened for the homeless, and procedures were implemented to keep those people safe. The School District of Philadelphia switched to virtual learning for February 23. Restrictions on vehicles were put in place on most major roadways in eastern Pennsylvania, including I-76, I-78, I-81, I-83, I-84, I-95, I-276/Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-283, I-295, I-380, I-476, I-676, Pennsylvania Route 33, and U.S. Route 22. Governor Josh Shapiro issued a disaster emergency declaration on February 22.
A salt shortage occurred for consumers in Maryland. The State Highway Administration stated they were at 80% salt capacity. Beginning on February 22, winter shelters and warming centers were set to open in Baltimore. Governor Wes Moore declared a "state of preparedness" on February 21, coordinating readiness efforts across the state. Additionally, the city of Baltimore activated its Emergency Operation Center to begin the following day as well ahead of the storm.
On the morning of February 21, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency was activated on an Enhanced Watch. Three state parks in Delaware closed drive-on surf fishing crossings in anticipation of the storm on February 21. On February 22 at 12 p.m., Governor Matt Meyer declared a state of emergency. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency was set to be fully activated at 5 p.m.
Virginia and Washington D.C.
In Washington D.C., road treatments were scheduled to begin at noon on February 22. Mayor Muriel Bowser deployed 200 snowplows. Shelter hours were adjusted as well.
Due to the concern of rainfall washing away the salt, the Virginia Department of Transportation initially held off treating roadways.
New England
Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
Crews in Connecticut faced depleted budgets after multiple rounds of snow throughout the winter as preparation began for the upcoming storm. Governor Ned Lamont ordered a partial activation of the Emergency Operations Center beginning on February 22 at 5 p.m. Over 600 snowplows and specialized equipment were available for the storm. On February 22, Governor Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency.
A coastal flood watch was issued for the eastern coast of Massachusetts as well as Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket for strong winds and heavy precipitation. School districts announced closures and delays ahead of the storm for February 23. On February 22, Governor Maura Healy declared a state of emergency and 200 troops from the Massachusetts National Guard were deployed.
Providence, Rhode Island started to give out free salt to its residents during the morning of February 21.
New Hampshire
Ahead of the storm, various New Hampshire school districts announced closures and delays for February 23 in anticipation for the storm.
Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued special weather statements and yellow winter storm watches for most of the Maritimes by February 21. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a yellow winter storm warning for parts of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as coastal flood advisories, wind warnings, and blowing snow advisories on February 21.
Impact
United States
New England
During the morning and noon of February 22, the first flurries from the nor'easter in New England started to fall in Fairfield County, New Haven County, and Litchfield County, with all counties located in the western portions of Connecticut, although there has not been any major accumulation.
See also
- 2025–26 North American winter
- Weather of 2026
- January 23–27, 2026 North American winter storm
- January 2016 United States blizzard
- January 2022 North American blizzard
- December 2010 North American blizzard
- January 1996 United States blizzard
- Northeastern United States blizzard of 1978
- Great Blizzard of 1888
External links
- Archive of Storm Summaries from the Weather Prediction Center