There were a total of 19 fatalities across multiple states due to the storm. It was the third largest snowstorm in New York City history, accumulating at least 25.1 inches (63.7 cm), and also one of the biggest in Washington. Thirteen deaths occurred in weather-related car accidents in Arkansas, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia. One death was reported in Maryland and three in New York City as a result of shoveling snow. Officials in Virginia reported that two people died of hypothermia. The storm, which dumped nearly two feet of snow on the Washington area, unexpectedly gained strength as it moved northward towards the New York metropolitan area, which is home to approximately 20 million people. The storm was forecasted to bring accumulations of 24 to 28 inches of snow in New York City, northern New Jersey, and western Long Island, with winds reaching up to 45 mph. Visibility was expected to be very low, with forecasts of one-quarter of a mile or less. The snow-covered statue of Pierre Charles L'Enfant in Washington during a winter storm on January 23, 2016, has prompted New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to declare a state of emergency. Additionally, he has implemented a travel ban on New York City area roads and Long Island, except for emergency vehicles, until 7am on Sunday. Subways, trains, and bridges into the city from New Jersey were also affected by the heavy snowfall. The impact on New York's financial services industry over the weekend was minimal, with uncertainty surrounding Wall Street's reopening on Monday due to the heavy snow. On Broadway, the effects were felt right away. The mayor's recommendation led to the cancellation of Saturday matinee and evening shows, resulting in an unusual calm in the typically busy city of 8.5 million people. Tourists and locals were seen wandering the streets of Manhattan, and some even took the opportunity to enjoy the snow in Central Park by skiing, building snowmen, or engaging in friendly snowball fights. The area surrounding the Washington Monument was blanketed in snow during a winter storm in Washington on January 23, 2016. While public transportation in New York and New Jersey was halted, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority decided to suspend operations through Sunday in the capital. Mayor Muriel Bowser stated at a press conference that the snow is expected to taper off late tonight or early tomorrow morning, but the conditions remain hazardous. We anticipate that the high winds in the area will persist, leading to poor conditions and visibility. FlightAware.com reported that more than 5,100 flights were cancelled on Saturday and over 3,300 on Sunday. United Airlines announced that it would not operate at Washington-area airports on Saturday and Sunday, with plans to gradually resume service on Monday. The airline will have "very limited operations" starting on Sunday afternoon at its Newark, New Jersey hub and other New York area airports. The blizzard first hit Washington, where snow accumulated outside the White House and on the city's famous monuments, before moving on to the New York City area. "We are excited to make snow angels in front of the White House," said Robert Bella Hernandez, 38. "We plan to enjoy the snow-covered DC landmarks and head back indoors when it becomes unsafe. The record high snowfall in Washington was 28 inches in 1922, with the most recent significant snowfall being 17.8 inches in 2010. High winds reaching 70 mph battered the East Coast, causing coastal flooding." A man is seen walking close to the Washington Monument in Washington during a winter storm on January 23, 2016. According to Reuters, the storm also affected cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia, causing power outages for about 150,000 customers in North Carolina and 90,000 homes in New Jersey. Meteorologist Patrick O'Hara mentioned that the high tides during the storm surpassed those of Superstorm Sandy, leading to water flooding roads in areas like the Jersey Shore and Delaware coast, with record levels reached in Cape May, New Jersey, and Lewes, Delaware. Some residents along the New Jersey Shore had to evacuate due to the storm, reminiscent of the devastating 2012 storm. Linda Gilmore, the county's public information officer, reported that the barrier islands near Atlantic City were facing considerable tidal flooding. The storm originated on the Gulf Coast and brought snowfall to Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky on Friday. Meteorologists explained that the winter system was created when warm, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean mixed with cold air along the coast.