Literally tens of millions of people in New York and other areas along the East Coast are getting blasted. Initially, up to three feet of snow was predicted along with significant winds but now forecasters say less snow will actually fall. Even so, it is considered one of the worst storms in history.
According to Bruce Sullivan with the National Weather Services, Providence, Rhode Island and Boston, Massachusetts will get the full brunt of the storm with roughly two feet of snow overall while New York will receive fewer than two feet. Already by 5:00 a.m., six inches of new snow had fallen on Central Park with some areas of Massachusetts having 18 inches.
Because of the storm, more than 10,000 customers in Massachusetts were without power and in Long Island, a 17-year-old boy died while out snow tubing. Officials say the storm will stretch across a 250-mile area of not just snow but high winds. As a result, whiteout conditions are anticipated.
In a press conference this morning, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York provided support to officials who reacted quickly based on forecaster’s predictions. He recalled the huge storm that hit Buffalo, New York last November, which took people by complete surprise so being proactive is a good thing.
State Police in Connecticut warned people that currently, conditions are extremely dangerous. Based on the storm, statewide roads were closed. Travel bans for New York and New Jersey went into effect the day prior to the store and only now are some of those being lifted.
Cuomo added that people in New York are once again allowed to drive but for the sake of emergency vehicles and plows, he wanted to keep the streets as clear as possible. He warns people not to feel a false sense of security, stating that if people do not need to go out it is best to stay home.
Approximately 8,000 flights going into and out of the Northeast were completely cancelled and as stated by officials with the FAA, most will not be in service until sometime tomorrow. In addition, government offices, schools, and businesses were closed. Prior to the storm hitting, stores were packed with shopping stock piling food and emergency items, leading to many shelves being emptied out.
Road crews are out around the clock plowing and salting roads in an attempt to keep the situation from worsening. The Northeast is accustomed to large storms but when facing up to three feet of snow and winds reaching 60 miles per hour, it takes things to an entirely different level.