The U.S. Geological Survey initially measured the earthquake at a 4.8-magnitude.

Winter Storm Ezra disrupted holiday travel across the US Northeast, Midwest and Great Lakes for a third straight day on Monday.

A powerful winter storm swept across the northeastern United States, leaving at least two people dead and causing widespread disruption across several states. In Calvert County, Maryland, a tragic accident occurred when a falling tree struck a vehicle, killing two occupants, identified as Michael Simpson, 60, and Virginia Quesenberry, 43. Authorities reported that heavy snowfall and strong winds contributed to hazardous road conditions throughout the region. Maryland experienced snowfall totals of up to 16 inches (40 cm), while Providence, Rhode Island, recorded 37.9 inches, marking the largest blizzard in the city’s history. New York City faced its ninth-largest winter storm on record, with more than 20 inches of snow. In response, New York City officials implemented a travel ban to minimize accidents and allow sanitation crews to clear roads. Thousands of workers were deployed to plow streets and shovel sidewalks. The storm severely disrupted air travel, with more than 5,000 flights cancelled on Monday and thousands more cancelled or delayed the following day. Major airports in Boston and New York were among the hardest hit. Schools across affected states either closed or shifted to remote learning, though New York City resumed in-person classes by Tuesday. Power outages were widespread, particularly in Massachusetts, where approximately 250,000 residents were without electricity as of Tuesday morning. In coastal communities such as Scituate, officials warned that restoration efforts could take several days due to persistent strong winds. The storm system, described as a “nor’easter,” has since moved toward eastern Canada, though windy conditions are expected to continue in some areas.

The US Northeast's power markets experienced bearish trends on December 2nd, with day-ahead prices decreasing due to reduced electricity demand and increased renewable energy generation. In the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) market, on-peak prices in Zone G declined by $1.50 to approximately $112.25/MWh, while off-peak markets saw similar decreases across Zones G and J. A forecasted slight reduction in peak electricity demand, coupled with rising renewable energy generation and cooler temperatures, contributed to these shifts, setting the stage for further market fluctuations.

On November 26, the US Northeast region witnessed fluctuating electricity prices ahead of Thanksgiving, with Day-ahead prices reaching $79/MWh and $82.50/MWh for deliveries on November 28. As winter weather predictions forecast decreasing temperatures, windy conditions, and potential snow, natural gas spot prices also surged, driven by the expectation of cooler weather, and electricity demand projections indicate a sharp rebound in usage from November 27-28.

On November 25th, day-ahead power prices in the US Northeast experienced a mixed performance due to subdued electricity demand and rising natural gas costs. While prices decreased in New York, they rose in Massachusetts, driven by increases in Algonquin city-gates and other regional gas markets, ultimately resulting in contrasting price movements between NYISO's Mass Hub and Zone J NYC. The expected decrease in electricity demand, coupled with warmer temperatures forecast for the region, also influenced the market conditions, particularly for solar power generation.

On November 20th, electricity prices in the US Northeast displayed varying trends, influenced by shifts in demand and supply availability. The New England region saw a decrease in day-ahead on-peak prices, with Mass Hub prices settling at $67.50/MWh, while the NYISO experienced increases in on-peak prices, particularly in the Hudson Valley Zone G reaching approximately $65.50/MWh. Meanwhile, natural gas prices fluctuated, with Algonquin-city gates decreasing to $4.75/MMBtu and Transco Zone 6 NY remaining stable at $3.75/MMBtu, reflecting broader market trends and regional variations.

US Northeast Paralyzed As ‘Bomb Cyclone’ Triggers Record Snowfall, Emergencies.