Northeast Digs Out From Historic February 2026 Blizzard

The aftermath of the February 2026 blizzard, unofficially dubbed Winter Storm Hernando, is still being felt across the Northeastern United States as communities begin the long process of recovery. The storm, which impacted a region from the Ohio Valley to Atlantic Canada, brought record-breaking snowfall, fierce winds, and widespread power outages.

Record Snowfall and Devastating Winds

The blizzard dropped between one and two feet of snow across a large swath of the Northeast, with some areas, particularly in southeastern New England, receiving up to three feet. Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport recorded 37.9 inches of snow , setting a new record. New Bedford, Massachusetts, experienced its largest snowfall in recorded history with over three feet. West Tisbury, Massachusetts, saw accumulations of around 20-24 inches .

Sustained winds of 50 knots (approximately 57 mph) and gusts up to 98 mph were recorded at Wellfleet, Massachusetts , contributing to widespread tree damage and power outages.

Widespread Power Outages and Infrastructure Impacts

Hundreds of thousands of people lost power across the region, with as many as 10,000 residents on Martha’s Vineyard alone without electricity or heat . As of Wednesday, February 26th, thousands of Islanders still had not had their power restored. Downed trees and power lines posed significant challenges for utility crews. Rhode Island Energy is working to clear downed trees with wires, particularly in areas like the intersections of Middle Road and Travelers Lane and Frenchtown Road at Mary Elizabeth Way .

On Cape Cod, roads remained dangerous and clogged with snow in the days following the storm, prompting authorities to urge caution and discourage travel . Utility crews from across the Northeast were staged on Cape Cod, awaiting deployment to restore power.

Transportation Disruptions

The storm caused significant disruptions to transportation. Metro-North Railroad operated on hourly schedules for the Harlem, New Haven, and Hudson lines, while the Long Island Rail Road ran a Sunday schedule on February 23 .

Looking Ahead

The Blizzard of 2026 will be remembered as a historic weather event that tested the resilience of communities across the Northeast. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and residents are urged to remain cautious as they dig out and assess the damage. The storm serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness.