NEW YORK (AP) – Cities and towns along the East Coast are in a state of preparation for what could be a significant winter storm, with blizzard alerts issued from Maryland to Massachusetts. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) have warned that this storm may be more severe than previously projected, potentially resulting in widespread impacts across a densely populated area.
The NWS has indicated that many regions could see snowfall accumulation ranging from 1 to 2 feet (approximately 30 to 61 centimeters). Blizzard warnings have been issued for major cities including New York City, Long Island, Boston, and several coastal communities in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Furthermore, officials have also cautioned that flooding could impact certain areas of New York and New Jersey.
Cody Snell, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center, noted the unprecedented nature of this storm. “While we experience plenty of nor’easters producing heavy snow, it has been several years since one of this magnitude has affected such a large region in this highly populated part of the country,” Snell stated. The storm is expected to make landfall on Sunday morning around Washington, D.C., subsequently moving towards Philadelphia, New York City, and reaching Boston by evening. The most intense snowfall is predicted to occur overnight from Sunday into Monday, with rates of up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) per hour.
The initial phase of the storm may bring rain to some locations, which could complicate snow accumulation as temperatures drop. The NWS has raised alarms regarding potential blizzard conditions, forecasting wind gusts reaching 55 mph (80 kph). Such conditions are likely to create whiteouts, making travel dangerous and potentially life-threatening. High winds combined with heavy snow may also lead to downed power lines and sporadic outages as tree limbs become burdened by the snow.
In anticipation of the storm, city officials are implementing various measures to manage the fallout. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced that the city plans to expand its snow management efforts based on past experiences from recent snowfalls. Discussions regarding the potential closure of schools on Monday are ongoing as officials evaluate the situation. Mamdani remarked, “What seemed like an expectation of 3 to 4 inches of snow rapidly changed, so we are committed to making decisions grounded in current and accurate forecasts.”
As the storm looms, local businesses are also adjusting their plans. John Berlingieri, head of Berrington Snow Management, canceled a family trip to Puerto Rico to ready his company for the challenging snow removal task ahead. With operations concentrated on clearing millions of square feet of asphalt around shopping centers and industrial sites, Berlingieri indicated, “I anticipate at least one week of work around the clock. We will be working in shifts of 24 to 36 hours, resting minimally before resuming.”
The impending storm arrives just as remnants from a prior winter storm, which impacted the area weeks ago, are finally dissipating. Authorities in Atlantic City, New Jersey, have urged residents and visitors, especially in prone low-lying areas, to avoid unnecessary travel due to the anticipated flooding and snow hazards. Fire Chief Scott Evans emphasized the need for caution, stating, “There are numerous streets where we know flooding will occur, in combination with snow, making conditions treacherous. We urge everyone to please stay home.”
In response to the storm, multiple churches have canceled Sunday services. St. Veronica Parish in Howell, New Jersey, has adjusted its schedule by adding an extra Mass on Saturday evening. The Rev. Peter James Alindogan appealed to the community for safety, proclaiming, “Please stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep one another in prayer during the storm.”
