Heavy Snow Grips Northeast: States of Emergency

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Heavy snow grips the Northeast, forcing states of emergency in liberal strongholds New York and New Jersey right after Christmas, disrupting holiday travel.

Story Snapshot

Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a statewide emergency in New Jersey at 1 p.m. on December 26, 2025, banning commercial vehicles on major highways.
Governor Kathy Hochul activated emergencies across over half of New York counties, targeting NYC, Mid-Hudson, and Long Island with up to 12 inches of snow forecast.
Peak snowfall rates hit 0.5-2+ inches per hour Friday night into Saturday, with NYC accumulating over 4 inches by December 27.
Post-Christmas timing amplifies chaos for returning holiday travelers, sub-freezing temperatures worsen ice risks north and west of NYC.

Emergency Declarations Activated

New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way issued a statewide state of emergency at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025. The declaration unlocked full resource mobilization to combat a severe winter storm barreling through all 21 counties. Way warned of dangerous outdoor conditions and urged residents to avoid travel entirely during peak impacts. By 3 p.m., the New Jersey Department of Transportation enforced restrictions on commercial vehicles along key routes including I-78, I-80, I-280, I-287, and Route 440. State crews activated earlier in the week pretreat roads, prioritizing public safety over holiday disruptions.

New York’s Targeted Response

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon for more than half of New York counties, zeroing in on high-risk areas like New York City, Mid-Hudson, Long Island, Central New York, Southern Tier, and Capital Region. Heaviest snowfalls, projected at 4-12 inches, began at 6 p.m. Friday and continued into Saturday morning. Hochul emphasized resource allocation to protect New Yorkers, coordinating state agencies with local partners. Winter Storm Warnings forecasted rapid accumulation and ice, especially west of NYC where sub-freezing air locked in hazards. Text alerts via 333111 kept residents informed of evolving threats.

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Storm Timeline and Peak Impacts

Preparations ramped up earlier in the week as agencies mobilized crews following National Weather Service advisories for 3-8 inches widespread, up to 12 inches localized. Friday’s declarations marked escalation from routine warnings to full emergencies, enabling broader powers than standard snow events. By Saturday, December 27, New York City tallied over 4 inches with travel conditions deteriorating. Peak rates exceeded 2 inches per hour in spots, echoing intense 2022 nor’easters that shuttered roads. Snow tapered into Saturday morning, but advisories lingered for ice and poor visibility, keeping emergencies active.

Commercial bans in New Jersey highways halted logistics, stranding trailers and amplifying supply chain strains already hit hard under prior administrations’ fiscal mismanagement. Motorists faced reduced visibility and slick surfaces, with officials advising extreme caution or staying home. This nor’easter, fueled by cold air clashing with Atlantic moisture, hit during peak post-Christmas returns, turning family trips into potential ordeals.

Broader Impacts on Families and Economy

Holiday travelers, residents, and commuters in the NYC metro bore the brunt, with road closures sparking isolation risks and economic ripple effects. Transportation sectors ground down as bans disrupted commerce; airlines felt indirect hits from grounded flights. Emergency services stretched thin treating roads and aiding stranded drivers. Political optics favored decisive action by Hochul and Way, burnishing profiles amid tests of infrastructure resilience. Proactive steps limited long-term strain, but short-term chaos underscored Northeast vulnerabilities compared to Trump’s energy independence pushing national prosperity forward.