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الوسم: snowfall

  • NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Implements Citywide Travel Ban Before Major US Storm

    NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Implements Citywide Travel Ban Before Major US Storm

    New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the closure of the city’s entire traffic system on Sunday, restricting all but emergency travel ahead of an approaching major snowstorm expected to impact the Northeast US.

    Tens of millions across the country, from Washington, D.C., to Maine, prepared for the storm, with some regions forecasting up to two feet (60 centimeters) of snow. The National Weather Service warned that blizzard conditions would develop rapidly from Maryland up through southeastern New England, making travel extremely dangerous. Snow may fall at a rate of two to three inches per hour during the storm’s peak, affecting nearly 54 million residents along its path. Heavy snow and gusty winds are likely to cause power outages.

    In New York, which is home to over eight million people, Mamdani stated that streets, highways, and bridges would be shut down from 9 p.m. Sunday until noon on Monday. He emphasized that this was the most significant storm the city has faced in a decade and urged residents to avoid all non-essential travel. Essential workers and emergency-related travel will still be permitted.

    In neighboring New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency starting midday Sunday to expedite response efforts and allocate resources efficiently. Boston’s mayor, Michelle Wu, announced that all public schools and city buildings would be closed on Monday, urging residents to plan ahead and stay safe. The National Weather Service also warned of potential moderate to major coastal flooding along waterfront roads and properties from Delaware to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

    This storm follows a recent severe weather event that caused over 100 fatalities in the region. Governor Hochul of New York advised residents that the worst was still ahead and urged them to stock up on essentials like groceries, medicines, and pet food immediately. She recommended that people prepare to stay indoors, watch more Olympics, read, catch up on news, and call family members—especially mothers—to stay connected during the storm.

  • Millions shovel through US snowstorm as cold persists

    Millions shovel through US snowstorm as cold persists

    Extreme cold grips millions as the US begins to recover from a massive snowstorm that has caused at least 23 fatalities, power outages, and transportation chaos. The frigid Arctic air mass is expected to keep temperatures below freezing across much of the northern half of the country through February 1, with record lows reported in the South following the weekend storm. Some areas, like Connecticut, received over 22 inches of snow, and Boston recorded more than 16 inches.

    The storm led to fatalities from hypothermia and traffic accidents involving sledding, ATVs, and snowplows. In New York City alone, eight deaths are under investigation, though not all may be storm-related. Power outages persist, with over 550,000 outages reported in the South as utilities scramble to restore service in states like Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, which are unaccustomed to such severe winter weather.

    The Great Lakes region experienced dangerously low temperatures, with Michigan and Wisconsin seeing lows as cold as -23°F (-30.6°C), compounded by wild wind chills. Nearly half of the contiguous states received at least a foot of snow, with Bonito Lake in New Mexico topping the list at 31 inches.

    Nashville faced ongoing hazards, as ice build-up on trees caused additional outages and dangerous conditions. Emergency warming centers have been established to help vulnerable residents. Recovery efforts are complicated by the widespread impact, as colder northern regions lack the resources to aid less-prepared southern areas.

    Over 20 states, including the nation’s capital, are in states of emergency, mobilizing resources for relief. Transportation has been heavily affected—roads are blocked, and thousands of flights, buses, and trains have been canceled. The storm is linked to a stretched polar vortex that typically circles the Arctic but occasionally extends into North America, driven by climate change debates and natural variability.

    Scientists note that the “dry, fluffy” snow characteristic of this storm complicates cleanup efforts, as wind easily blows it around, reducing visibility and making road clearing harder.

    Meanwhile, Texas remains in the grip of a severe cold wave, with Arctic winds freezing major cities like Dallas, Austin, and Houston. Icy and snowy roads have made travel extremely dangerous, especially early in the morning and at night, leading authorities to warn residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. While daytime temperatures have slightly improved, night temperatures often plummet back below freezing, increasing the risk of refreezing and ice formation.

    In Houston and Southeast Texas, high humidity combined with cold temperatures raises concerns about overnight ice formation, with authorities advising caution and urging residents to monitor weather updates. Schools across the state, especially in North and Central Texas, have closed through Tuesday, with further closures possible if conditions worsen. Officials emphasize the importance of avoiding travel and staying informed as the weather remains unpredictable over the coming days.