Severe Winter Storm to Impact Northeast corridor
Millions across the Northeast Corridor are bracing for a significant late-winter snowstorm. Forecasts suggest that some regions could see up to 2 feet of snow, with winds hitting 70 miles per hour.
The storm is projected to arrive late Sunday, impacting around 50 million people in various major cities.
Officials have cautioned that travel might become “dangerous, if not impossible.” Power outages are also a concern, as the heavy snow and strong winds may lead to fallen tree limbs.
By Monday, over 7,000 flights were already canceled, and some airlines are offering travelers the option to reschedule flights without additional fees.
This cancellation count is likely to increase as the storm advances, with predictions suggesting it could be “historic.”
Residents in states like Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and Pennsylvania have been advised to get ready for severe winter conditions.
New York City is preparing for its first snowstorm since 2017, with a severe storm warning set to take effect at noon on Sunday. A meteorologist from the National Weather Service noted that the city has been relatively fortunate not to have faced significant snowstorms in the last decade.
Strong winds may create “whiteouts” that could complicate visibility, pushing the snow into tall drifts. The last notable snowstorm in 2017 saw New York receive over a foot of snow alongside wind gusts reaching 90 mph.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for various regions including parts of the city, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley.
Mayor Zoran Mamdani urged residents, “If you can stay home, stay home.” Currently, 2,200 snowplows have been deployed, and the new mayor is seeking volunteers to assist city workers with snow removal at a pay rate of $19.14 per hour.
This initiative follows criticism over the city’s handling of a late January snowstorm that left streets clogged and trash uncollected.
As the storm travels north, officials suggest that while flights to and from Boston Logan International Airport might operate on Sunday, conditions in New England will worsen rapidly.
Forecasts indicate “blizzarding snow likely” in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. While it’s uncertain if Boston will officially face blizzard conditions, people are encouraged to prepare.
Philadelphia is also expected to face harsh conditions, with forecasts predicting 18 to 24 inches of snow and wind gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph through Monday.
Before reaching New York, the storm is anticipated to cause damage in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., with snow starting Sunday morning around 7 a.m.
Meteorologists note that for a storm to be classified as a “blizzard,” it must maintain sustained winds or gusts of 35 miles per hour or more, along with visibility dropping below a quarter-mile, lasting for at least three continuous hours.
