Powerful iciness hurricane slams US northeast as NYC problems shuttle ban – Life Pulse Daily

Powerful Winter Storm Slams US Northeast as NYC Issues Travel Ban – Life Pulse Daily

A historic winter storm has begun lashing the Northeast US, impacting 59 million people under weather warnings, causing power outages, and prompting a travel ban in New York City. States of emergency have been declared in multiple US states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Several have instituted travel restrictions or bans due to the snowstorm, and thousands of flights have been cancelled.

The National Weather Service has warned that the storm will bring an estimated 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) per hour, and snowfall can reach 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 m), leading to “nearly impossible” travel conditions. The blizzard conditions may also make travel “extremely treacherous” in parts of the northeast US.

Snow started to fall Sunday night in parts of the northeast, including Boston, Philadelphia, and New York, where some of the most severe conditions are forecast. It’s the first time in 9 years that New York City – the most populous US city – has been under a blizzard warning. The city is expected to be hit particularly hard, with 18-24 inches (0.5-0.6 m) of snow forecast for the metro area and temperatures dropping to about 20°F (-6°C).

A complete travel ban is in place in New York City from 9:00 PM local time (2:00 AM GMT) on Sunday to 12:00 PM local time (5:00 PM GMT) on Monday, with Mayor Eric Adams saying schools would be cancelled and all streets, highways, and bridges would be closed to traffic, except for emergencies.

During a news conference, Adams said the heaviest snowfall is expected overnight, with up to 28 inches (0.7 m) in some areas. He declared a state of emergency in the city. This is the second major snowstorm of the first-term mayor’s tenure, coming after 19 people died during a three-week cold snap in January.

Across the state, the highest wind gusts are expected along the coast, up to 65 to 70 mph (104 to 112 kph), with officials warning of downed tree limbs and power outages too. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the entire state ahead of the nor’easter storm and activated about 100 members of the National Guard.

“This will be something the likes of which we have not seen in years,” she said. “People will be in the dark. Long Island and New York City and lower Hudson are really in the direct eye of the storm.”

Due to the storm, all Broadway shows on Sunday night have been cancelled and the New York Racing Association has cancelled Sunday’s eight horse races at the Aqueduct Racetrack. Conditions are expected to worsen across much of the US northeast from Sunday to Monday.

Conditions are expected to be most severe along the coast, with New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island forecasted to be hit the worst. In Rhode Island, Governor Dan McKee issued a travel ban across the state and enabled the activation of the National Guard as needed. He also closed state government offices on Monday.

“We’re asking Rhode Islanders to take this storm seriously and stay home,” McKee said. “This is an all-hands-on-deck response. Our state agencies have the resources and manpower they need to respond and keep Rhode Islanders safe.”

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also declared a state of emergency and halted service on the state’s transit network from Sunday night for all buses, light rail, and Access Link. He said this would be “the worst storm we’ve seen since 1996” and encouraged residents to stay home and off the roads.

In Connecticut, which, along with New York and New Jersey, comprises the metropolitan Tri-state area, Governor Ned Lamont signed an emergency order halting all commercial vehicles from traveling on highways across the state. The order takes effect at 5:00 PM local time (10:00 PM GMT) and remains in effect until further notice, Lamont said.

Massachusetts, Delaware, and Rhode Island have also declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm and the city of Boston, Massachusetts, has also closed schools due to the storm. In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a disaster declaration ahead of the storm to ensure state agencies “have every resource they need to prepare and keep people safe,” and has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to follow instructions from local officials and agencies.

Although the nation’s capital is not expected to be as severely impacted, school districts near Washington, DC, have announced closures. Federal government offices have delayed the start of the workday and said employees could take unscheduled leave or work remotely due to the weather.

In Canada, Nova Scotia’s east coast is expected to be the worst-hit area, with many parts currently under an orange weather warning from Monday morning until early Tuesday.

Key Points

– A powerful winter storm is impacting the US Northeast, affecting 59 million people under weather warnings
– States of emergency have been declared in multiple US states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Rhode Island
– New York City has issued a travel ban from 9:00 PM Sunday to 12:00 PM Monday
– The storm is expected to bring heavy snow, fierce winds, and coastal flooding
– Thousands of flights have been cancelled, and power outages are mounting
– The National Weather Service warns of “nearly impossible” travel conditions and “extremely treacherous” travel in parts of the northeast US

Background

The winter storm, known as a nor’easter, is a type of storm that typically affects the northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada. These storms are characterized by strong winds from the northeast, heavy precipitation, and coastal flooding. Nor’easters can occur at any time of year but are most common and severe between September and April.

The current storm is expected to be one of the most powerful nor’easters in nearly a decade for much of the region. It is bringing snow, fierce winds, and coastal flooding to the Northeast US and the Canadian Maritimes from Sunday night to Monday.

Analysis

The impact of this winter storm is significant, affecting millions of people across multiple states and disrupting travel, commerce, and daily life. The travel bans and restrictions put in place by state and local governments are aimed at keeping people safe and allowing emergency services to operate effectively.

The storm’s severity is due in part to its timing, occurring during a period when many people are still dealing with the aftermath of previous winter storms and cold snaps. The combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding poses a serious threat to life and property.

The response from state and local governments has been swift and comprehensive, with states of emergency declared, travel bans implemented, and resources mobilized to respond to the storm’s impacts. The activation of the National Guard in several states underscores the seriousness of the situation.

Practical Advice

If you are in the path of this winter storm, it is essential to take the following precautions:

1. Stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service and local authorities.
2. Follow any travel bans or restrictions put in place by state and local governments.
3. Stock up on essential supplies, including food, water, medications, and batteries.
4. Prepare your home for the storm by insulating pipes, sealing windows and doors, and having a backup heating source.
5. If you must travel, make sure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires, chains, and an emergency kit.
6. Avoid unnecessary travel and stay off the roads during the height of the storm.
7. If you lose power, use generators and alternative heating sources safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

FAQ

Q: What is a nor’easter?
A: A nor’easter is a type of storm that typically affects the northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada. These storms are characterized by strong winds from the northeast, heavy precipitation, and coastal flooding.

Q: How long will the storm last?
A: The storm is expected to impact the Northeast US and the Canadian Maritimes from Sunday night to Monday.

Q: What areas are most affected by the storm?
A: The storm is expected to impact a wide area, including the Northeast US and the Canadian Maritimes. The most severe conditions are expected along the coast, with New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island forecasted to be hit the worst.

Q: What should I do if I lose power during the storm?
A: If you lose power during the storm, use generators and alternative heating sources safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Stock up on essential supplies, including food, water, medications, and batteries.

Conclusion

The powerful winter storm impacting the US Northeast is a significant weather event that requires careful preparation and response. With states of emergency declared, travel bans in place, and resources mobilized, state and local governments are working to keep people safe and minimize the storm’s impacts.

As the storm continues to unfold, it is essential for individuals to stay informed, follow instructions from local authorities, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. By working together and taking the necessary steps, we can weather this storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

Sources

– National Weather Service
– State and local government websites
– News reports from CBS News, The Associated Press, and other reputable sources

Disclaimer: The views, comments, opinions, contributions, and statements made by readers and contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.