New York City is bracing for a significant disruption due to a potent and fast-moving nor’easter, which is expected to bring heavy snowfall and high winds. The storm is also affecting other major northeastern cities, including Boston and Philadelphia. The winter storm is forecasted to cause power outages and dangerous travel conditions, prompting officials to urge residents to stay home and work remotely.
In New York City, the winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m., with up to 8 inches of snow expected by 3 p.m. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated from morning through noon, accompanied by gusts of up to 30 mph. Boston is under a winter weather advisory until 7 p.m., with 3 to 5 inches of snow estimated, and Philadelphia is also under a winter weather advisory until 3 p.m., with 1 to 4 inches of snowfall expected.
The storm has already led to power outages, with more than 140,000 customers in Pennsylvania and thousands in New Jersey, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Virginia without power on Tuesday morning. The combination of dense, wet snow and strong winds has the potential to damage trees and down power lines, leading to more power outages in the region.
As a result of the storm, New York City Public Schools have shifted to remote learning, with classes canceled in other city districts as well. Travel conditions have become hazardous, with over 250 car accidents reported in New Jersey and more than 1,000 flight cancellations across the US, particularly in and out of major airports in New York, Boston, and New Jersey.
The winter storm warnings and advisories stretch from the northern tip of Virginia through Pennsylvania and up the coast from New Jersey to Massachusetts. Coastal flooding and strong winds are also expected, with Cape Cod potentially experiencing damaging wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the need for precautions and advised remote work to ensure that roads are clear for plows. In Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey warned that snowfall may become too heavy for plows to keep up with. Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy urged residents to stay home and exercise extreme caution if they must go outside.
As the storm continues to unfold, officials are working to keep transportation services running as close to schedule as possible. Despite the disruption and challenges posed by the storm, residents are encouraged to stay safe and make the most of the snowy conditions, especially for children who can enjoy some outdoor fun after their remote learning sessions.
The snowy weather comes as a drastic change for the region, which has been experiencing its warmest winter on record. Historically, February is known to be the snowiest month of the year for many of the region’s major cities due to nor’easters like this one.