From CNN, I'm Aaron Matheson, with the five things you need to know for Monday, February 23rd.

A powerful winter storm has blanketed much of the Northeast, and it's dumped record snowfall on cities from Providence to Philadelphia to New York.

Dangerous conditions have forced travel bans across several states, canceled thousands of flights, and even stop some emergency vehicles in their tracks.

CNN lead meteorologist Brandon Miller is here.

So what do you make of all this? And what's next?

Aaron, this will certainly go down as a storm for the ages in parts of the Northeast,

setting all-time records in places like Providence, Rhode Island,

where they have been keeping weather records for over 120 years. We've topped three feet now in

the hardest hit areas of Rhode Island, and at least five other states have totals exceeding

two feet. It's not just the snow. The wind has been brutal, with Gus reaching hurricane intensity,

which is over 74 miles per hour. The snow's coming to an end now, but you only have one day to dig out. Then another quick-hitting snowstorm comes on Wednesday, though thankfully not nearly as strong. Still ahead, the latest on conditions for American tourists who are navigating the aftermath of a drug war in West Central Mexico.

The streets of Halisco, Mexico are beginning to return to normal after a notorious drug cartel leader was killed yesterday.

That's what one expert told CNN, after chaos spread through the region and in the aftermath

of a Mexican military operation.

Gang members clashed with security forces, businesses shut down, all prompting the U.S.

State Department to urge American tourists to quote, seek shelter and remain in residences.

But officials now say the situation has returned to normal, especially in tourist hotspots like Cancun, Kazumel, and Playa de Carmen.

And a US State Department official also confirmed that a 24-7 crisis hotline

has been set up for US citizens impacted by the unrest.

What would you like to hear from President Trump tomorrow

at his State of the Union address?

I want him to stay on our side.

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