The Northeast is bracing for a powerful winter storm as the National Weather Service and meteorologists across the region warn of blizzard conditions, heavy snow accumulations, and dangerous coastal flooding from Sunday, February 22, through Monday, February 23, 2026. The storm is expected to sweep across Long Island, New York City, New Jersey, and Delaware, with each area preparing for a significant impact as forecasts grow increasingly dire.
According to the National Weather Service, a Blizzard Warning has been issued for Long Island from 6 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. The region is expected to receive between 13 and 18 inches of snow, with the heaviest bands falling overnight Sunday into Monday and continuing through much of Monday. Winds will be relentless, with sustained speeds of 32 to 40 miles per hour and gusts reaching up to 55 mph, especially near the coast. The National Weather Service’s Friday evening briefing stated, “A widespread accumulating snowfall is expected, with significant to major accumulations looking more likely, especially closer to the coast. Blizzard conditions are possible across central and Eastern Long Island.”
The warnings don’t stop at snow. Coastal flooding is a major concern, too. A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect late Sunday night through Monday morning, with expected inundation of 1.5 to 2.5 feet in vulnerable waterfront areas. The National Weather Service cautions that “widespread moderate flooding” could result in numerous road closures and widespread flooding of low-lying property, including parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes or businesses with basements near the waterfront. Vehicles parked in vulnerable areas may become flooded, and flooding could extend inland along tidal rivers and bays. Ice cover in the bays and harbors could make matters worse, potentially damaging shoreline structures facing northeast to east. “Breaking surf of 4 to 8 feet along Gardiners Bay, particularly Orient Point, will cause beach flooding and dune erosion,” the NWS warned, adding that splashover flooding could impact properties behind protective dunes and seawalls.
High tides are expected at various times throughout Sunday and Monday at local harbors and inlets, including Plum Gut Harbor, Montauk Harbor, Greenport, Mattituck Inlet, Sag Harbor, New Suffolk, South Jamesport, and the Shinnecock Bay Entrance. The timing of wind shifts from east-northeast to north gales will play a critical role in determining just how severe the flooding becomes.
Preparations are underway across the region. Riverhead Town declared a State of Emergency late Friday, requiring all parked cars to be removed from roadways by 9 p.m. Saturday. The State of Emergency “shall continue until impacts of the Winter Storm Event have been abated,” according to the town’s announcement. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine was scheduled to deliver an update on county preparations at 11 a.m. Saturday, with the briefing broadcast live on social media. Residents are reminded to report downed power lines to PSEG-Long Island at 800.490.0075, and to use text or online services to report outages throughout the storm.
New York City isn’t being spared either. According to FOX 5 NY and FOX Weather, forecasters are tracking a developing coastal storm that could bring blizzard conditions and significant snow to the city starting Sunday evening and continuing into Monday morning. Models vary, but the Global Forecast System (GFS) suggests the city could see 12 to 16 inches of snow, while the North American Model (NAM) keeps the heaviest snow bands more limited. “Even a 50-100 mile jog east or west with the storm will result in less or more snow for millions,” the FOX Forecast Center noted, highlighting the uncertainty that still lingers as the storm approaches. Regardless, the Monday morning commute is expected to be challenging, with messy roads and limited visibility. Saturday is forecast to be dry and mild, but conditions will deteriorate rapidly on Sunday, with a 50% chance of snow and a high near 38 degrees. Sunday night, the chance of snow persists as temperatures drop to around 32 degrees.
New Jersey is also in the bullseye. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning at 2:44 a.m. Saturday for Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Essex, and Union counties, valid from 6 a.m. Sunday until 6 p.m. Monday. Snow accumulations between 11 and 15 inches are expected, with winds gusting as high as 45 mph. The strongest winds are anticipated Sunday night into Monday, and hazardous travel conditions are expected throughout the event. “Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes,” the weather service warned. Residents are advised to delay travel if possible and to prepare their vehicles with emergency supplies such as flashlights, food, water, blankets, and extra warm clothing. The weather service recommends keeping an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of emergency, and to check local Department of Transportation information for the latest road conditions. If you must travel, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns.
Down the coast, Delaware beaches and Sussex County are under a Blizzard Warning from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. According to TV Delmarva, up to 12 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 55 mph are expected during this period. The combination of heavy snow and high winds could lead to whiteout conditions, power outages, and dangerous roadways. Residents are urged to stay off the roads if possible and to prepare for potential disruptions to power and transportation.
As the region prepares for the worst, meteorologists emphasize that the final impact will depend on the storm’s exact track and the availability of cold air. “Several factors must align for a high-impact snowstorm,” FOX Weather explained, “including a precise track along the Northeast coast and sufficient cold air in place.” If any of these ingredients fail to come together, snow totals could be significantly reduced. Still, with most models pointing to a major event, the consensus is that the Northeast should brace for a disruptive start to the week.
Winter storms of this magnitude are not unheard of in late February, but the combination of heavy snow, high winds, and coastal flooding makes this event particularly dangerous. The National Weather Service and local officials continue to update their forecasts and advisories as new data becomes available, urging residents to monitor the latest information and take all necessary precautions. For those in the path of the storm, the message is clear: stay informed, stay prepared, and above all, stay safe.
With the first flakes set to fall Sunday morning and the worst conditions expected overnight into Monday, the Northeast faces a challenging and potentially hazardous stretch. Communities across the region are mobilizing resources, issuing warnings, and hoping for the best—but preparing for the worst as the blizzard of 2026 barrels in.