Record-breaking snowfall paralyses region
More than 5,000 flights have been cancelled as a powerful US east coast snow storm battered the region, bringing record-breaking snowfall and widespread disruption.
Parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts recorded nearly 37 inches (94cm) of snow, while New York City’s Central Park saw more than 19 inches, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Weather warnings stretched from North Carolina to northern Maine, with additional alerts issued in parts of eastern Canada.
More than 600,000 properties along the US east coast were left without power. The Boston Globe said it would not go to print for the first time in its 153-year history due to the severity of the storm.
Travel bans and widespread cancellations
Travel across the region was severely restricted, with several states and cities implementing bans during the height of the storm.
The so-called “nor’easter” is expected to move away from the US on Tuesday and towards coastal eastern Canada, although strong winds are forecast to persist.
Snowfall totals of between one and two feet were anticipated along parts of the north-east coastline.
Flight tracker FlightAware reported 5,706 cancelled flights within, into or out of the US on Monday. The vast majority of flights from LaGuardia and JFK airports in New York City were grounded, along with services from Boston, Newark and Philadelphia.
More than 2,000 additional cancellations were already recorded on Tuesday, with Boston, Newark and LaGuardia among the worst affected.
Rhode Island sets new snow record
Rhode Island appeared to bear the brunt of the storm, with local media reporting it as the worst snowstorm in the state’s history.
Providence received 36 inches (91cm) of snow, surpassing the previous single-storm record of 28.6 inches set in February 1978.
“It completely smashed it,” said Candice Hrencecin, an NWS meteorologist in Boston, speaking to the New York Times. “We were just as shocked as everyone else.”
Non-essential travel bans were introduced in Rhode Island and neighbouring Connecticut, while Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also imposed restrictions, warning of dangerous white-out conditions.
“White-out conditions are making travel extremely dangerous,” she wrote online. “If you get stuck, help will have a hard time reaching you… I strongly urge everyone to stay off the roads no matter where you live.”
Power outages and city shutdowns
In Massachusetts alone, nearly 300,000 customers lost power, including 85% of those in Barnstable County, which covers Cape Cod.
In New York City, a travel ban brought the city of more than eight million people to a near standstill before being lifted at midday local time. All roads, highways and bridges had been closed.
Authorities are also investigating footage showing police officers being pelted with snowballs in Washington Square Park.
Long Island resident Sandra Wu told Reuters her family was unable to open their front door due to the snow accumulation.
“My husband went out early through the garage to start digging us out, but it was pointless,” she said, adding she had never experienced a storm this severe.
Concerns remain in Connecticut and New Jersey over falling trees and branches, which could create hazardous road conditions and further power outages.
Source: BBC
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