New York City has declared a state of emergency as a powerful snowstorm is expected to hit the area, resulting in the closure of streets, highways, and bridges from 9 PM Sunday until noon on Monday, local time. The restrictions will apply to all traffic, including passenger vehicles, trucks, scooters, and e-bikes, with exceptions made for essential personnel and emergency services. As a precautionary measure, officials are taking steps to ensure public safety amid the inhospitable weather conditions.

The storm has already caused significant disruptions, with over 3,000 flight cancellations reported at major airports in the New York area on Sunday alone. Further complications in air travel are anticipated on Monday as the storm continues to impact the region. Additionally, there are warnings regarding possible severe power outages, which could affect millions in one of America's largest metropolitan areas.

Meteorologists have indicated that heavy snowfall is not just expected in New York City, home to over eight million residents, but also in neighboring cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. This widespread weather event highlights the urgency for residents to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions and reinforces the need for robust emergency responses to deal with the snowstorm's implications across the northeastern United States.