A significant winter storm covering the East Coast—expected to drop up to two feet of snow and bring strong, gusty winds—is predicted to make travel across regional states “nearly impossible,” according to the [unnamed source].
With severe conditions forecast to last until Monday, multiple governors have declared states of emergency, with some banning commercial ground travel. Air travel was also heavily disrupted: flight tracker FlightAware reported almost 3,500 cancellations of flights within, into, or from the U.S. as of 11 p.m. on Sunday.
Here’s a breakdown of travel bans and restrictions by state during the storm.
Connecticut
Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency across Connecticut on Sunday, and additionally issued a ban on all commercial vehicles on limited-access highways starting at 5 p.m. Sunday. The prohibition, which remains in effect until lifted, does not apply to emergency response and recovery vehicles—such as those for public safety, utilities, or transporting essential personnel and supplies.
“Everyone statewide is strongly urged to avoid all unnecessary, non-essential travel,” Lamont said in his announcement. “Plan ahead, get to where you need to be by early Sunday evening, and remain there throughout the duration of the storm.”
Delaware
Gov. Matthew Meyer declared a state of emergency on Sunday and is urging increased caution. Stricter rules were imposed in Kent and Sussex counties: barring anyone from operating motor vehicles unless they are lawfully exempted, including designated essential personnel.
Massachusetts
As announced, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will operate subway trains and buses at reduced frequencies on Monday, similar to its Sunday schedule, citing severe weather conditions. Rail lines will also run based on adjusted schedules. Meanwhile, all ferry services are suspended on Monday.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation imposed travel restrictions on box trucks, tractor-trailers, tandem trucks, and special permit vehicles on interstate highways—though deliveries of food, fuel, and medical supplies are exempted.
“It is critical that people stay off the roads tonight and tomorrow,” said Healey, who also activated the National Guard and directed the state’s non-emergency executive branch employees to work from home, while urging private employers to do the same.
New Jersey
Gov. Mikie Sherill urged all New Jersey residents to “use caution, stay off the roads, and follow all safety protocols during the storm” on Saturday, when she declared a state of emergency for the state, taking effect Sunday.
NJ Transit, the state’s public transportation provider operating buses, trains, and light rail, made service adjustments on Sunday. By 6 p.m., bus, light rail, and Access Link services for people with disabilities were halted, with rail service suspension following at 9 p.m. The operator said it will assess the storm’s impacts overnight to determine when it is safe to resume services.
State police also imposed a ban on all vehicles—with exemptions for first responders and those with emergency needs—from operating on state, county, municipal, and interstate roadways from 9 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday, though the New Jersey Turnpike is exempt from the restriction.
New York
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in several New York counties. In her statement, Hochul said that starting at 4 p.m. Sunday, empty commercial vehicles and tandem tractor-trailers are banned from traveling on I-84 and all roads south of I-84, including all Thruway system roads. Other commercial vehicles are restricted to the right lane of I-84 and all roadways south of it, including Thruway system roads in Orange, Rockland, and Westchester counties.
According to the [unnamed source], which covers the New York metropolitan area, some express subway lines have been operating locally in preparation for the winter storm. Bus services will continue, but road conditions may affect them.
The Long Island Rail Road—stretching from Manhattan to Suffolk County in Long Island—will be suspended by 1 a.m. Monday until conditions improve. The Metro-North Railroad will also limit its services, operating hourly on some lines and on a weekend schedule on others. The MTA’s paratransit services will stop accepting reservations starting at 9 p.m., and the MTA is contacting customers who booked rides afterward to possibly reschedule earlier or cancel entirely.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a local state of emergency. A travel ban is in effect from 9 p.m. Sunday to noon Monday, meaning the city’s streets, highways, and bridges are closed to all vehicles except those for essential or emergency trips.
The Staten Island Ferry will adjust service starting at midnight, operating hourly until 6 a.m. and then every 30 minutes afterward.
“This blizzard is serious,” Mamdani said. “Stay inside.”
