Blizzard of 2026 Slams Maryland to Maine With Feet of Snow and Hurricane-Force Gusts, Historic Northeast Storm Underway
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — A high-impact, potentially historic blizzard is now underway along the upper Atlantic coast, with blizzard warnings in effect from eastern Maryland to the coast of Maine through tomorrow.
Forecasters are describing this as the Blizzard of 2026, a storm capable of producing snowfall measured in feet, destructive coastal winds, and whiteout conditions that could make travel nearly impossible.
Blizzard Warnings From Maryland to Maine
Blizzard warnings stretch across a long swath of the Northeast, including:
- Eastern Maryland
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- New York City and Long Island
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Massachusetts, including Boston
- Coastal New Hampshire
- Coastal Maine
This corridor represents the hardest-hit region where sustained winds, heavy snow, and dangerously low visibility are combining.
Snow Totals Measured in Feet
Snow accumulation projections through Tuesday indicate:
- Widespread 12–18 inches across interior sections
- 18–24+ inches across parts of New Jersey, New York, and southern New England
- Localized amounts potentially exceeding two feet along portions of Long Island and southeastern Massachusetts
Some coastal and near-coastal zones may see totals surpassing 24 inches where persistent heavy snow bands stall.
Hurricane-Force Gusts Possible Along the Coast
The most alarming aspect of this storm may be the wind.
Coastal communities from New Jersey to Massachusetts and Maine could experience wind gusts approaching hurricane force. These winds will:
- Produce widespread blowing and drifting snow
- Cause near-zero visibility
- Bring down tree limbs and power lines
- Increase the risk of prolonged power outages
The combination of heavy, wet snow and powerful wind gusts significantly increases infrastructure stress.
Whiteout Conditions and Life-Threatening Travel
Whiteout conditions are expected across much of the warned region. Travel may become:
- Basically impossible overnight
- Extremely dangerous even for emergency vehicles
- Disrupted across major highways including I-95
Airports from Baltimore to Boston are likely to face delays and cancellations as conditions worsen.
Economic Disruptions Expected in Hardest-Hit Areas
Nearly all economic activity is expected to be disrupted in the most severely impacted zones. Businesses, schools, and government offices across major metropolitan areas including New York City and Boston may face extended closures.
Comparisons to the Blizzard of 1978
Meteorologists are already comparing this event to the legendary Northeastern United States Blizzard of 1978, citing:
- Comparable snowfall potential
- Intense coastal wind fields
- Widespread transportation shutdowns
- Prolonged impacts
If forecast totals verify, this could rank among the most significant winter storms in modern Northeast history.
Bottom Line
From eastern Maryland to coastal Maine, the Blizzard of 2026 is delivering feet of snow, hurricane-force wind gusts, whiteout conditions, and major disruptions. Residents in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine should remain off the roads and complete preparations immediately.
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