Daily life across large parts of the United States has been thrown into chaos by a powerful snowstorm that battered the country’s northeastern region. The storm struck at least eight states on Sunday local time and continued into Monday morning.

As of 9:00 a.m. Monday, heavy snowfall ranging from 19 inches to nearly two feet had been recorded in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Virginia.

According to the National Weather Service, continuous snowfall throughout the day and night has brought business activities to a standstill in many affected areas. Roads and highways remain largely empty, with only National Guard units, state and city police, ambulances, and snow-removal vehicles permitted to operate.

City, state, and county authorities reported that by Monday morning, approximately 366,000 households were left without electricity. An estimated 40 million Americans have been impacted by the storm, including more than half a million Bangladeshi Americans living in the affected regions.

Snowfall measurements indicate 19.8 inches in Central Morris, New York; 19 inches in Freehold, New Jersey; 18.5 inches in Mount Holly; 18 inches in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania; and 18 inches in Delaware. Meteorologists warned that the intense snowfall was expected to continue into the night.

Ahead of the storm, more than 5,500 domestic and international flights were canceled nationwide. Following forecasts of prolonged and severe conditions, emergency declarations were issued in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. In New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, all non-essential vehicles were banned from highways and major roads.

Urging residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City, advised extreme caution. All educational institutions across the city were also ordered to remain closed as the storm continues to disrupt normal life.