Blizzard Warnings Issued for New York City: A Seem Back at the 2017 Storm and Current Forecast

New York City is bracing for a significant winter storm, with blizzard warnings issued for the first time since 2017. Forecasters predict up to 18 inches of snow, with the potential for two feet in some areas. This raises questions about the severity of the current storm compared to the historic March 2017 blizzard that impacted the Northeastern United States and Canada.

The March 2017 North American Blizzard: A Recap

In March 2017, a powerful blizzard swept across the Northeastern United States, New England and Canada. The storm, categorized as a Category 4 “Crippling” blizzard based on the Regional Snowfall Index, dumped up to 3 feet (91 cm) of snow in the hardest-hit regions, particularly in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and southern Quebec [1].

The storm formed from an extratropical cyclone and initially brought light to moderate snow to the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest on March 11-12, before moving towards the Ohio Valley. It then intensified into a nor’easter off the East Coast, creating a wide swath of heavy snowfall. While New York City was initially forecast to receive 12-18 inches of snow, inland areas like Montreal and Sherbrooke, Canada, were more significantly impacted [1].

The March 2017 blizzard was characterized by extremely high winds, with gusts reaching 138 mph on Mount Washington, New Hampshire [1]. Snowfall totals reached 58 inches in Bolton Valley, Vermont, and ice accumulation reached 0.40 inches in Chesilhurst, New Jersey [1]. The storm also spawned three tornadoes, with a maximum rating of EF1 [1].

Tragically, the March 2017 blizzard resulted in 16-19 fatalities [1].

Current Blizzard Conditions and Forecast

As of today, February 21, 2026, New York City is preparing for a significant snowfall event. The current forecast indicates up to 18 inches of snow, with the possibility of two feet in some locations. The blizzard warnings mark the first such alerts for the city since the 2017 storm.

Key Takeaways

• The current blizzard warnings for New York City are the first issued since March 2017.
• The 2017 blizzard was a major late-season event impacting a large area of North America.
• The 2017 storm brought record-breaking snowfall and high winds to the Northeast.