A powerful bomb cyclone has gripped large parts of the United States, triggering one of the most severe winter weather events witnessed in nearly five decades. Torrential snowfall and winds reaching speeds of up to 100 kmph have disrupted normal life, affecting an estimated 65 million people. Major urban centres including New York City and Boston have been blanketed under thick layers of snow, with widespread transportation and civic disruptions reported.
Authorities said snowfall accumulation has been particularly heavy in Rhode Island, where up to two feet of snow has brought daily activities to a halt. Several roads have become impassable, and visibility has been significantly reduced due to blizzard-like conditions. Emergency response teams have been deployed across affected states to assist stranded residents and clear critical routes.
Officials declared a state of emergency in New York City, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid non-essential travel. Educational institutions have been shut, while air travel has been severely impacted. Nearly 10,000 flights have been cancelled nationwide, including around 5,600 in a single day. Major airports in New York, Boston and Philadelphia have temporarily suspended operations due to hazardous weather conditions.
The storm has also caused extensive power outages, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. In New Jersey and Delaware, more than 260,000 residents are reportedly facing blackouts amid freezing temperatures. While federal and state agencies have intensified relief and restoration efforts, strong winds and continuous snowfall continue to hamper operations, prolonging the crisis.