As the Northeast braces for one of the most significant winter storms in recent memory, communities from Long Island and New York City to Delaware’s beaches and New Jersey’s suburbs are preparing for a potentially paralyzing blizzard. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a series of urgent warnings, forecasting heavy snow, coastal flooding, and dangerous winds that could disrupt daily life from Sunday, February 22, through Monday, February 23, 2026.
Long Island residents awoke early Saturday to news that a Blizzard Warning would be in effect from 6 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. According to the NWS, the region is expected to receive between 13 and 18 inches of snow, with the heaviest accumulations likely closer to the coast. "A widespread accumulating snowfall is expected, with significant to major accumulations looking more likely, especially closer to the coast," the NWS stated in a Friday evening briefing, as reported by The Beacon. Blizzard conditions are considered possible across central and eastern Long Island, with sustained winds of 32 to 40 miles per hour and gusts reaching up to 55 mph.
The storm’s timeline is a study in escalation: only about an inch of snow is anticipated during daylight hours on Sunday, but forecasters expect 7 to 11 inches to fall overnight into Monday, followed by an additional 5 to 9 inches on Monday itself. Riverhead Town, a key Long Island community, declared a State of Emergency late Friday, requiring all parked cars to be removed from roadways by 9 p.m. Saturday to facilitate plowing and emergency response. The State of Emergency will remain in place "until impacts of the Winter Storm Event have been abated," the town announced.
The threat extends far beyond just snow. A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect for Long Island from late Sunday night through Monday morning, with the NWS warning of "widespread moderate flooding" of 1.5 to 2.5 feet in vulnerable waterfront areas. The agency cautioned, "This would result in numerous road closures and cause widespread flooding of low lying property, including parking lots, parks, lawns and homes/businesses with basements near the waterfront." Vehicles parked near the shoreline are especially at risk, and ice cover in bays and harbors could worsen flooding and damage shoreline structures. Breaking surf of 4 to 8 feet, particularly along Gardiners Bay and Orient Point, is expected to cause beach flooding and dune erosion, further exacerbating the situation for coastal communities.
High tides will play a critical role in the extent of flooding, with times varying by harbor and inlet. For instance, Plum Gut Harbor will see high tides at 12:50 a.m. and 1:17 p.m. on Sunday, and 1:43 a.m. and 2:17 p.m. on Monday, while similar surges are expected at Montauk, Greenport, Mattituck, Sag Harbor, New Suffolk, and South Jamesport. The NWS emphasized that water levels "will be highly dependent on timing of windshift from east northeast to north gales," making the threat dynamic and hard to pin down.
Down the coast, Delaware beaches and Sussex County are under their own Blizzard Warning from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. The NWS expects up to 12 inches of snow and wind gusts as high as 55 mph. A separate Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for Kent County, Inland Sussex County, and Delaware Beaches from Sunday night through Monday morning, with 1 to 2 feet of flooding anticipated. The NWS issued the warning at 2:45 p.m. Saturday, alerting residents to the potential for hazardous flooding conditions along the Delaware shoreline. Residents are being advised to prepare for both the snowstorm and the possibility of significant coastal flooding.
Meanwhile, New York City is staring down the possibility of its own blizzard. FOX 5 NY’s chief meteorologist Nick Gregory noted that some forecast models indicate the city could see upwards of 12 inches of snow from Sunday evening into Monday morning. The GFS (Global Forecast System) model, in particular, suggests a longer-lasting storm with 12 to 16 inches possible in parts of the Tri-State area, including southern New Jersey. Other models, such as the NAM (North American Model) and Baron, show less severe outcomes depending on the storm’s track, but most experts agree that the highest snow totals will likely fall across southern and central New Jersey, with more variability farther north.
Regardless of which model proves most accurate, the Monday morning commute in New York City is shaping up to be a challenge. "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 explained, underscoring the razor-thin margin for error that could dramatically alter the storm’s impact. Saturday is expected to remain dry and mild in the city, with snow moving in Sunday and a 50% chance of accumulation under cloudy skies. Residents are being urged to prepare for the possibility of heavy snow late Sunday and to monitor the latest forecasts as the storm’s path becomes clearer.
In northern New Jersey, the NWS issued a Winter Storm Warning for Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Essex, and Union counties, valid from Sunday morning through Monday evening. These areas are expected to receive between 11 and 15 inches of snow, with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph. The strongest winds are anticipated Sunday night into Monday, with snow moving in during the morning and afternoon hours. The NWS warned, "The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. 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."
Authorities across the region are urging residents to take precautions. Travelers are advised to delay trips if possible, and if travel is absolutely necessary, to drive with extreme caution. The NWS recommends keeping an extra flashlight, food, and water in vehicles, and ensuring cars are equipped with winter supplies such as a scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, and warm clothing. If stranded, drivers should stay calm, notify someone of their location, and avoid walking to safety unless absolutely necessary. In the event of downed power lines, residents should call emergency services immediately and never attempt to touch the lines themselves.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine is scheduled to provide an update on county storm preparations at 11 a.m. Saturday, which will be streamed live for residents seeking the latest information. Utility provider PSEG-Long Island has reminded customers to report downed power lines or outages by calling 800.490.0075 or via their website, and to text OUT to 773454 for updates.
With snow totals, wind speeds, and flooding risks all potentially reaching severe levels, the coming storm is a reminder of the power and unpredictability of winter weather in the Northeast. Residents are urged to stay informed, heed official warnings, and take every precaution to protect themselves and their communities as the blizzard bears down.