Winter Storm Warning in 3 States for 2 Feet of Snow and 70 MPH Winds Called Worst in 10 Years
An extremely rare winter storm warning is calling for up to 2 feet of snow and wind gusts reaching 70 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters describe the expected conditions as the worst in 10 years, prompting a state of emergency to be declared, and a major city to hire local snow shovelers to help.
Blizzard conditions are expected, with poor visibility and hazardous travel conditions. Here's what to expect and how to stay safe as the storm unfolds.
Where 2 Feet of Snow and 70 MPH Winds Are Expected
Photo by Andres Kudacki/Getty Images
On February 21, 2026, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a special winter storm warning for the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, covering Sunday night into Monday afternoon. That same date, ABC 7 Eyewitness News reported on the predicted conditions, stating that it is expected to be the worst conditions to hit the area in more than a decade.
"The storm is poised to be the biggest snow-maker to slam the Tri-State area since the storm of January 2016, which was the biggest snowstorm to ever hit NYC on record."
According to the NWS, up to 2 feet of snow could fall in the hardest-hit areas, with rates reaching 4 inches per hour at the system's most intense. Other areas face 12 to 20 inches in total. The warning also cautions about high-speed wind gusts region-wide during the same timeframe. In the worst-affected area, including parts of Long Island, gusts could reach between 65 and 70 mph. Other parts of the three states are facing 25 to 60 mph wind speeds.
Finally, the NWS has issued a blizzard warning as part of the same report. It predicts whiteout conditions that will make travel "dangerous to impossible," along with risks of power outages and downed tree limbs.
With millions of older adults living in the tri-state area, their loved ones should know that a safety expert shared with Men's Journal why they are at greater risk during winter storms. The expert offered valuable advice for caretakers, including to check in regularly, make living spaces safer, and more.
New York Is Taking Remarkable Measures To Cope With the Upcoming Blizzard Conditions
Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images
When forecasts call for heavy snow and powerful winds, residents should always take them seriously. Still, when leaders start taking remarkable steps to prepare, it really drives home how harsh conditions are expected to be. New York officials are doing just that to cope with what's coming.
On February 21, 2026, New York City's Sanitation Department announced that it is hiring local snow shovelers to help the city. Pay starts at $19.14 per hour, rising to $28.71 for any time exceeding 40 hours in a week. The inclusion of an overtime rate seems to signal how intense officials expect the coming storm to be.
Emergency Snow Shovelers WILL BE WORKING this storm.
— NYC Sanitation (@NYCSanitation) February 21, 2026
First time Shoveler? Earn $19+/hr. helping to dig us out from this storm. Register Sunday, Feb. 22, 8am-1pm at any DSNY garage WITHOUT an appointment. Bring ID/photos. Full info: https://t.co/MSpEh79ytO
Already worked with… pic.twitter.com/4z9DS5v6W9
Also on February 21, 2026, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for the following counties of the state.
- Albany
- Bronx
- Columbia
- Greene
- Delaware
- Dutchess
- Kings
- Nassau
- New York
- Orange
- Putnam
- Queens
- Richmond
- Rockland
- Suffolk
- Schenectady
- Schoharie
- Sullivan
- Ulster
- Westchester
- Contiguous Counties