Super Bowl Sunday brought more than just game-day excitement—over 15 million Americans were placed under winter storm alerts as a major weather system swept across the Midwest and Northeast. The storm created hazardous travel conditions, led to hundreds of flight cancellations, and left many scrambling to adjust their plans.
Snow Slams the Midwest
The storm first hit the Midwest, where heavy snow blanketed parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, and northern Illinois. Green Bay reported up to 7.5 inches of snow, while other areas saw accumulations between 4 to 8 inches. Icy roads led to multiple vehicle accidents, prompting local authorities to advise residents to stay indoors unless necessary.
Northeast Braces for Snow, Ice, and Travel Disruptions
As the storm moved east, it brought a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to major cities in the Northeast. New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia all faced significant impacts, with forecasters predicting between 2 to 9 inches of snow, depending on the location.
New York City braced for 2 to 5 inches, but meteorologists warned that freezing rain could make roads and sidewalks dangerously slick. In Boston, where 5 to 9 inches of snow were forecasted, city officials mobilized ploughs and salt trucks to minimize disruptions.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) issued warnings of possible delays or cancellations for commuters, advising travellers to check schedules before leaving home.
Flight Cancellations and Delays
The storm had a major impact on air travel. As of Sunday morning, more than 380 flights were cancelled and 1,400 were delayed, with airports in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia among the hardest hitTravellersrs were encouraged to check with airlines for updates and make backup plans.
For those driving to Super Bowl watch parties, authorities emphasized the importance of caution. Roads in affected areas were coated with a combination of snow and ice, making conditions treacherous. Power companies warned of potential outages as ice buildup could damage power lines.
What’s Next? An Arctic Blast on the Way
Forecasters say this storm could be the beginning of a series of winter weather systems expected to impact the U.S. in the coming weeks. An Arctic blast is expected to follow the current storm, with temperatures plunging 10 to 20 degrees below normal across much of the northern and central United States.
Officials urge residents to stay updated with local weather alerts and prepare for additional storms and freezing conditions. As many reflect on a Super Bowl Sunday filled with travel headaches and icy chaos, the focus now turns to staying safe and warm as winter’s grip tightens across the nation.