Historic Nor’easter blizzard buries Greater Boston in snow, causes widespread power outages and MBTA travel disruptions

A powerful blizzard struck Greater Boston and Southern New England on Monday, February 23, 2026 ET, burying the region under heavy, wet snow, resulting in widespread power outages, and paralyzing the MBTA system. National Grid, RI Energy, and Eversource rushed to restore power as the storm’s most severe effects, expected between 4:00 AM and noon ET, remained to batter communities. “We encourage customers to prepare in the event of outages and to stay connected with us,” stated Christopher Laird, Chief Operating Officer of National Grid New England Electric.

Storm Intensity and Snowfall Totals

The blizzard produced wind gusts of 59 mph at Logan Airport before 7:00 AM ET, with the National Weather Service forecasting the strongest gusts between 4:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Peak snow deposits were predicted at 18–24 inches, with isolated regions possibly getting up to 30 inches. Southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island experienced the greatest challenge for tree damage and power interruptions, where wind gusts of 55–75 mph blended with heavy, wet snow. Boston reported 5–6 inches by early Monday morning, with official Logan Airport measurements pending.

Widespread Power Outages

Electrical outages in Massachusetts surpassed 113,000 customers by 7:00 AM ET, with Cape Cod hardest hit, where almost one-third of Barnstable County people lost service. Eversource reported extensive destruction to its grid at 3:30 AM ET, but crews could not start full restoration until conditions improved. Rhode Island Energy reported almost 6,900 customers without power, mostly in Washington and Providence counties, and cautioned of a multi-day restoration attempt. “The utility is anticipating between 100,000 and 150,000 total outages, calling it a ‘multi-day restoration effort’ with 200 line crews and 80 forestry crews standing by,” stated spokesperson Brian Schuster.

Transportation Disruptions

The MBTA sharply minimized services, with the subway functioning on a Sunday-level schedule, commuter rail running on storm schedules, and all ferries canceled. The Mattapan Line trolley was substituted by shuttles, and buses ran on modified snow routes. Authorities cautioned service would likely continue to be affected on Tuesday as crews worked to clear snow. Passengers were advised to check T-Alerts for updates and allow additional travel time.

Flights at Boston Logan Airport were also heavily impacted, with several cancellations extending into Tuesday. Airlines including Delta, Air Canada, United, and American suspended operations because of the storm, leaving stranded travelers in terminals overnight.

City Response and Safety Measures

Boston Public Schools and city offices closed Monday, resulting in an unplanned long weekend for students. The city announced a snow emergency and implemented a parking ban, effective Sunday at 2 p.m., cautioning that vehicles left on posted routes risked fines or towing. Officials recommended residents to avoid nonessential travel and move vehicles from low-lying roads to aid plows and emergency crews. Along coastal regions, high tides combined with strong winds could produce splashover and localized flooding.

The combination of heavy snow and strong winds created a high risk of downed branches and power outages. Crews were staged in advance but could only function when conditions were safe. Residents facing power loss were advised to call 2-1-1 for warming center information and monitor local updates. Officials highlighted that travel should be restricted to emergencies only and advised stranded people to stay with their vehicles rather than attempt walking in near-zero visibility.

FAQs:

Q1. What caused the Boston blizzard?
A strong nor’easter brought heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding to the region, resulting in widespread disruption.

Q2. How much snow fell in Boston?
Boston received 18–24 inches, with isolated regions reaching up to 30 inches during the storm.