Record-Breaking Snowstorm Paralyses US East Coast, Disrupting Travel and Power

New York. A severe snowstorm that hit the eastern coastal region of the United States on Monday has paralyzed daily life. This snowfall, breaking records from decades past, has affected millions of people, and thousands of flights have been canceled.

Areas from New York to Massachusetts are covered in a thick layer of snow, completely disrupting road, air, and electricity services. According to the National Weather Service, nearly 33 inches of snow has accumulated in parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

More than 19 inches of snow was recorded in New York's Central Park alone. New York government agencies have issued warnings, stating that travel is impossible. New Jersey and Massachusetts have been the most affected by the snowfall, where power supply has been cut off to more than 600,000 homes and businesses.

This snowstorm has also shattered a historic record from 48 years ago. In Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, this time 33 inches of snow fell, surpassing the previous record of 28.6 inches set in February 1978. Meteorologists have described this situation as far more severe and unexpected than anticipated.

Hundreds of vehicles were stranded mid-road due to snowdrifts, and police had to tow away more than 300 vehicles that were obstructing snow-clearing operations.

For safety reasons, travel has been restricted except for essential purposes in states like Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey urged people to stay indoors, noting that the near-zero visibility caused by the snow is also making rescue operations difficult. Even a busy city like New York was nearly deserted by Monday afternoon.

The situation for air travel appears even more precarious. According to FlightAware, more than 5,600 domestic and international flights have been canceled. Over 90% of flights from New York's LaGuardia and JFK airports were halted, while major airports in Boston and New Jersey also had to cut most of their flights.

In areas like Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 85% of customers are forced to live in darkness. The risk of accidents has further increased as tree branches have broken and fallen onto power lines and roads.