Residents, government crews and a powerful rail snowplow nicknamed “Darth Vader” worked to clear heavy snow across much of the northeastern United States after a severe and, in some places, record-breaking storm that caused thousands of flight cancellations and school closures.

Forecasters said the storm, considered the strongest in about a decade, dumped more than 2 feet of snow in parts of the region on Monday. By Tuesday, roads were gradually reopening, some public transport services resumed and electricity was restored for many of the hundreds of thousands affected in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware and Rhode Island. Another storm could hit later this week, though it is expected to be weaker.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced schools would reopen for in-person classes Tuesday after Monday’s closure, despite large piles of snow still blocking sidewalks. Some officials and teachers’ leaders warned that attendance could be low due to travel difficulties. Meanwhile, Philadelphia continued online classes for two days, and several districts on Long Island and nearby suburbs canceled school again on Tuesday.

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The National Weather Service said even a few more inches of snow could slow cleanup in the hardest-hit areas.

More than 2,000 flights were canceled nationwide on Tuesday, mainly affecting airports in New York, New Jersey and Boston, according to FlightAware.

Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport temporarily shut down after receiving nearly 38 inches of snow, breaking a record from 1978. Central Park recorded 19 inches, while Warwick, Rhode Island, saw more than 3 feet. Strong winds also lashed coastal areas.

Several cities and states declared emergencies as recovery efforts continued.