CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - This past weekend, residents of New England prepared for an impending fast-moving storm by stocking up on both Super Bowl snacks and essential groceries such as bread and milk. On Saturday, the parking lot of a Market Basket grocery store in Epping, New Hampshire, was notably crowded, with long checkout lines evident as customers filled their carts ahead of the storm. Despite the hustle and bustle, shoppers exhibited a calm demeanor regarding the approaching snowfall, which was expected to clear out by Sunday morning—well before the Super Bowl kickoff.
According to Bob Oravec, the lead forecaster at the National Weather Service, the storm originated from the Great Lakes region and moved into the Northeast. Areas across upstate New York and New England received snow accumulations ranging from 6 to 12 inches, while Boston and New York City experienced slightly less, with totals between 3 to 5 inches. Notably, the snowfall in New York City was described as wet and dense, leading to clogged storm drains and water accumulation at sidewalk intersections in Northern Manhattan.
On Sunday, the effects of the storm were felt at airports in Boston and New York, where flight delays and cancellations increased significantly. Earlier on Saturday, heavy snow also impacted northern and central Wisconsin, with Medford reporting a snowfall measurement of 13 inches. In addition, some areas in northern Michigan received more than half a foot of snow, according to reports from the National Weather Service.
Looking ahead, Oravec indicated that another storm is anticipated to develop quickly, forming across the plains on Tuesday and moving eastward. This storm is forecast to create a swath of snow impacting regions south of those affected by the weekend's weather. “We expect the potential for heavy snow all the way from areas of Kansas, eastward into the upper Ohio Valley, central Appalachians, and into the mid-Atlantic,” Oravec stated, emphasizing the likelihood of significant snowfall in these regions.
Additionally, the weather service issued freeze warnings for parts of south-central California and the San Francisco area on Sunday, alerting residents that below-freezing temperatures could pose threats to crops, damage unprotected outdoor plumbing, and place vulnerable populations at risk of hypothermia. These warnings reflect the breadth of weather impacts as different regions of the country prepare for varying conditions.
As the nation braces for the continuing winter weather, the proactive measures taken by residents in New England showcase their readiness to face the challenges posed by snowfall and ice. With another storm on the horizon, the significance of staying informed and prepared becomes paramount as communities navigate the disruptions caused by winter storms.
