Northeastern region dug out of record snow from historic blizzard
A blizzard battered the Northeast, dumping more than two feet of snow in some places and causing emergencies and power outages.
There are two distinct winters in the United States.
So far this season, millions of people in the Northeast are enduring frigid temperatures and falling snow. But much of the West experienced a different winter. High temperatures and a lack of snow are causing a drought that is impacting ski resorts and raising concerns about water shortages.
From October 2025 to February 2026, areas of the continental United States that received less snow than usual far outnumbered areas that received more snow, according to a USA TODAY analysis of snow records. Comparing this season’s snowfall to the average seasonal totals from winter 2008-2009 to 2024-2025, the analysis found that for every square mile of excess snow, there is a deficit of three square miles.
Among the regions recording surpluses was New York City, which is 182% of its historical average. During the February storm, Central Park recorded 19.7 inches of snow. USA TODAY previously reported that it is alone in the top 10 largest snowstorm dumps in the park’s history.
Another place with a large surplus is Charlotte, North Carolina, at 357% of the average. Early in the winter, the Carolinas experienced a snowstorm that caused a fatal traffic accident.
The storm that hit the east disrupted flights, closed schools and left many people without power.
Meanwhile, cities that are in the red compared to historical averages include Denver at 32% and Salt Lake City at 19%.
Washington’s mountains had the largest accumulation ever, reaching an estimated height of 664 inches, or more than 55 feet. Montana is a close second with 373 inches, followed closely by California with 372 inches. despite this, Snowfall across the West is below normal.
Every state in the continental United States has recorded snowfall so far this season, although mountainous states lead the way, according to NOAA’s dataset. For example, parts of Florida and Alabama received about 1 inch of damage, while parts of Louisiana received an estimated 4 inches of damage.
Check out the USA TODAY map below to see snowfall amounts near you over the past 24, 48, and 72 hours.
