New Jersey and Long Island Face First Blizzard Warning in Over Four Years as Northeast Braces for Major Winter Storm
NEW YORK, NEW YORK — For the first time in more than four years, New Jersey and Long Island are under a Blizzard Warning, marking a significant moment in the region’s winter weather history. The last time such a warning was issued for these areas was during the late January 2022 blizzard, and updated data shows just how rare these alerts have become across parts of the Northeast.
A newly released map tracking the number of days since the last Blizzard Warning by National Weather Service office highlights the gap. Portions of New Jersey and Long Island show roughly 1,482 days since their last blizzard warning — a span of more than four years.
More Than 1,400 Days Since Last Blizzard Warning
The data visualization, valid as of February 20, 2026, reveals that coastal New Jersey and parts of Long Island have gone approximately 1,482 days without a Blizzard Warning.
Other nearby areas show similar long stretches:
- Upstate New York regions near Albany: over 1,100 days
- Portions of interior New England: 1,100–2,000+ days
- Coastal Mid-Atlantic areas: roughly 1,400+ days
By contrast, some northern states such as Maine show around 699 days, while parts of the Midwest and Great Plains have experienced more recent blizzard warnings.
The renewed Blizzard Warning underscores the magnitude of the approaching winter storm, especially given how infrequently such alerts are issued in the New York metro region.
Blizzard Warnings Are Rare and Impactful
A Blizzard Warning is not issued solely based on snowfall totals. It requires:
- Sustained winds or gusts of 35 mph or greater
- Falling or blowing snow
- Visibility reduced to one-quarter mile or less
- Conditions lasting at least three hours
The fact that New Jersey and Long Island have not met these criteria in more than four years highlights how uncommon true blizzard conditions have been in the region.
The January 2022 event was a high-impact storm that brought significant snowfall and whiteout conditions. The current warning signals that meteorologists believe similar severe criteria could once again be met.
Regional Comparison Across the U.S.
The national map shows dramatic regional differences in blizzard frequency:
- Parts of the Upper Midwest show shorter gaps between events.
- Large sections of the Southeast have gone thousands of days without any Blizzard Warning.
- Some western states display highly variable timelines depending on elevation and storm tracks.
Interestingly, portions of the Northeast — including Pennsylvania and interior New York — show mixed timelines, reflecting how blizzard conditions can be highly localized.
What This Means for the Northeast
The return of Blizzard Warnings to New Jersey and Long Island suggests that the approaching storm has the potential to produce both heavy snowfall and strong winds capable of whiteout conditions.
Residents across the broader Northeast corridor, including New York City, Connecticut, and parts of Massachusetts, are closely monitoring updates as conditions evolve.
Officials typically advise residents under Blizzard Warnings to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Prepare for possible power outages
- Monitor updated forecasts
- Secure outdoor items ahead of strong winds
The historical gap since 2022 adds perspective to the seriousness of this warning. Blizzard alerts are reserved for the most dangerous winter conditions, and the data shows they are far from routine in this region.
As the Northeast prepares for potential whiteout conditions, the return of Blizzard Warnings to New Jersey and Long Island marks a significant development in the winter weather season. For continued coverage of major storms and regional weather updates, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.