As a major winter storm hits the East Coast, officials are urging everyone in its path to take safety seriously. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts heavy snow, strong winds, and blizzard conditions stretching from New Jersey to Massachusetts through Monday.
Cody Snell, a forecaster with the NWS, mentioned that some areas could see 18 to 24 inches of snow. These heavy snowfall rates can quickly reduce visibility and make roads hazardous. “This storm will produce wet, heavy snow which can weigh down power lines and trees,” he explained during a Sunday update.
Wind gusts of 40 to 70 mph are likely, especially from New Jersey to New England. This increase in wind speed may lead to power outages and even coastal flooding from Delaware to Cape Cod.
Blizzard warnings are in place for Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Cities like New York are taking precautions; Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the closure of public schools and reminded residents to stay indoors if possible.
“This could be one of the most significant storms we’ve seen in a decade,” Mamdani noted, with some parts of the city expecting up to 28 inches of snow.
A state of emergency has been declared in several states, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. Travel advisories warn of potentially dangerous conditions in southeast Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Long Island, Rhode Island, and southeast Maine. Travel bans, like those in New York City, prohibit virtually all vehicle movement to ensure safety during the storm.
Travelers are advised to stay updated as more than 6,500 flights across the U.S. have already been delayed, and over 3,300 flights have been canceled due to this severe weather. Amtrak has also adjusted its routes, canceling several evening trains.
NWS meteorologist Owen Shieh cautioned residents shoveling snow to be careful, as it will feel heavier than it appears. “Take breaks and don’t push yourself,” he advised. In case of emergency, he emphasized the importance of staying in your vehicle if stranded.
To prepare for potential power outages, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends charging devices, stocking up on food and water, and following local emergency guidelines. As winter storms become more intense, it’s essential to take these precautions seriously.
