Blizzard conditions have forced authorities to restrict travel across parts of the northeastern United States as a powerful winter storm brings heavy snowfall, strong winds, and dangerously low visibility.
Officials in New York City ordered a ban on non-essential travel across streets, highways, and bridges from Sunday night through midday Monday. The restriction allows movement only for emergency responders, medical needs, and essential workers.
The storm is impacting a wide region stretching from the Washington metropolitan area to northern Maine, with meteorologists forecasting extremely heavy snowfall in multiple states.
The National Weather Service warned that blizzard conditions could develop rapidly as the storm strengthens while moving north. Experts said snowfall may intensify to several inches per hour during peak periods, accompanied by wind gusts that could approach hurricane-level speeds.
Such conditions are expected to reduce visibility dramatically, creating travel hazards and increasing the risk of traffic accidents and people becoming stranded on roads. Authorities in New Jersey and Boston declared emergency measures, closing schools and suspending many government services.
