Heavy Snowfall in New York City and Northeast from Nor’easter
TL/DR –
A fast-moving nor’easter has caused disruptions in major Northeast metropolitan areas, including New York City and Boston, with power outages, school closures, and travel warnings. Over a foot of snow has fallen in parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and New York City could see its biggest snowfall in over two years. Officials are urging residents to stay home due to dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages caused by strong winds and heavy snow.
A Rapid Nor’easter Hits Northeast U.S., Disrupting Travel and Power
A rapidly moving nor’easter brought snowfall to New York City and major Northeast metropolitan areas Tuesday morning, causing power outages and disrupting travel, work, and schools. The snow ceased in many regions, but parts of New England anticipate it to continue till later Tuesday.
Weather Forecast and Updates
Parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania have experienced over a foot of snowfall as of Tuesday morning. New York City, anticipating its largest snowfall in over two years, is expected to have snow totals of 5 to 8 inches, mostly in the morning. Boston, which is under a winter weather advisory until 7 p.m., is projected to receive 3 to 5 inches of snow, with winds gusting up to 35 mph.
Power Outages and Effects on Schools
Over 130,000 customers in Pennsylvania and thousands more in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Virginia are without power, reported PowerOutage.us. Schools are also impacted, with New York City Public Schools going remote and various city districts canceling classes, including in Boston, Newark, and New Haven.
Travel Disruptions and Warnings
Officials have warned of hazardous travel conditions due to snow and rain, causing over 250 car accidents in New Jersey. Governors in several states, including New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts, are advising people to work from home and avoid non-essential travel. Air travel is also impacted with over 1,000 flights cancelled across the US, mostly in major airports in New York, Boston, and New Jersey according to FlightAware.
Coastal Flood Warnings and Wind Gusts
A coastal flood warning is in effect for the area of Manasquan, New Jersey, until 3 a.m. Wednesday, announced the National Weather Service. Regions from New Jersey to southern New England, including Long Island and Connecticut, could face 2 to 3 feet of coastal flooding during high tide. Strong winds of up to 45 mph are expected along the coast.
Abrupt Change in Weather and Its Impact
The snowstorm is a drastic shift, as many Northeast cities are experiencing their warmest winter on record. The snowy weather is Mother Nature’s Valentine’s Day gift, according to New York Governor Hochul. Central Park saw over an inch of snow before 8 a.m. Tuesday, as per the National Weather Service. In Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey warned that heavy snowfall might outpace snowplows. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy urged caution as parts of the state faced up to a foot of dense, wet snow.
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