Snow swept across the District Sunday and on into Monday as a rapidly strengthening nor’easter tightened its grip on the mid-Atlantic, grounding flights, disrupting rail service and knocking out power for tens of thousands across the region.
Forecasters warned that the system, known as Winter Storm Hernando, would bring heavy snow and powerful wind gusts from D.C. through New York and into New England, creating blizzard conditions in parts of the Northeast. As snow fell steadily across the region, crews treated roads and officials urged residents to stay off highways unless travel was essential.
“Snow may impact tomorrow’s morning commute,” D.C.’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. “Drivers should exercise caution and give plow trucks extra room.”
Air travel deteriorated as conditions worsened. At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, airlines canceled and delayed numerous departures and arrivals as snow and wind reduced visibility and complicated runway operations. Similar disruptions were reported at Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where dozens of flights were called off and travelers crowded terminals seeking rebooking options.
Nationwide, thousands of flights were canceled as the storm moved along the Interstate 95 corridor, affecting hubs in New York and Boston and rippling through airline schedules across the country.
Rail service also faced strain. Amtrak announced service adjustments along the Northeast Corridor between Washington and Boston. Several Northeast Regional trains were canceled Sunday and Monday, and the railroad said customers would be notified directly about changes as it monitored track and weather conditions. The move reduced service between Washington, New York and Boston as crews prepared for snow accumulation and wind.
Further, power outages mounted overnight. More than 150,000 customers in the mid-Atlantic were without electricity around midnight, according to PowerOutage.us, as heavy snow and gusty winds pulled down tree limbs and power lines. Utilities warned that restoration efforts could stretch into the week if winds continued.
“Power flickered first thing this [morning] and [we’re] just getting started with the worst part. This blizzard is no joke. Stay safe, East coast,” a social media user who lives in Maine wrote on X. “Call your loved ones and make sure they are okay.”
With the snow no longer falling in the DMV area, places such as Montgomery County, Maryland are working to help residents amid power outages.
“Power outages: use portable generators safely [and] check on neighbors,” the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security posted on X. “If you see fallen power lines, call 911.”