Although the two storms that hit the Northeast and California on Tuesday and Wednesday were lessening in intensity, floods, power outages, and travel difficulties were remained a threat to both coasts.
Although many winter storm warnings were anticipated to be withdrawn throughout the day, both regions were bracing for additional snow, rain, and other inclement weather on Wednesday.
At locations like Peterborough, New Hampshire, and Ashby, Massachusetts, where nearly 3 feet of heavy, wet snow fell, the dig-out was in progress. The National Weather Service reported that at least 2 feet of snow fell in the Catskill Mountains and sections of northern New York.
The National Weather Service said that areas of northern and central California affected by the most recent atmospheric river may get snow accumulations as early as Wednesday. Ten atmospheric rivers—long plumes of moisture from the Pacific Ocean—and strong storms driven by Arctic air that generated blizzard conditions have recently targeted California.
From the Sierra to the central/northern Rockies, “this intense storm is predicted to deliver heavy mountain snow and gusty winds,” according to forecaster Paul Ziegenfelder.
Developments:
Several of the hundreds of districts that shut down their schools on Tuesday reopened on Wednesday, though many were doing so with a delay.
After 15 inches of snow, an inflatable sports arena dome collapsed in Goffstown, New Hampshire. There were no early reports of injuries.
At a dairy farm in Dracut, Massachusetts, a barn collapsed and killed several cows. No employees of Shaw Farm were wounded, according to the proprietors.
WHAT IS A NOR’EASTER? : Storms can dump snow on the East Coast, affecting millions of people.
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WHAT DOES POLAR VORTEX MEAN? a thorough examination of how it may impact the winter weather in the US.
thousands without electricity; increased aviation traffic
Early on Wednesday, more than 150,000 households and businesses in New York and New England were without electricity.
A “multiday restoration effort,” according to Unitil, which serves electricity and natural gas in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine, cautioned spokesperson Alec O’Meara.
According to a tweet from Pacific Electric & Gas, “the most powerful section of the storm has essentially gone” in California. “Crews are overcoming difficult circumstances to restore customers securely and as soon as possible.”
Tuesday’s winter storm that dropped more than 2 feet of snow in some areas of the Northeast caused almost 2,000 flights to be postponed or canceled at Boston Logan, New York LaGuardia, and Newark airports in New Jersey. In the start of Wednesday, only at LaGuardia and Kennedy Airports in New York, more than 250 flights had been postponed or canceled.
Californians are evacuated because to 70 mph winds
Tuesday, there were orders to evacuate over 27,000 Californians due to the possibility of floods and landslides. In the midst of persistent rain and wind, workmen carted truckloads of rocks to the central coast to fill a breached river levee. Windows were blown out by damaging winds with gusts over 70 mph, and there were several reports of trees collapsing.
Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in three more counties: Alpine, Orange, and Trinity. They join the 40 counties that were already declared to be under a state of emergency after a slew of dangerous winter storms hit the state last month. President Joe Biden last week signed a presidential disaster declaration at Newsom’s request, allowing the federal government to fund state and local storm response operations.
New York, New England are impacted by a winter storm.
In Pennsylvania, New York, and sections of New England, where snow accumulations of up to 10 inches were predicted, a winter storm warning was withdrawn early on Wednesday. There might be 45 mph wind gusts in the area.
The National Weather Service issued a travel advisory for the region and predicted that power disruptions would result from the weight of the snow on the tree limbs. Officials suggested that if travelers must go, they should have an extra flashlight, food, and water in their cars.
Parts of Maine and New Hampshire are under a winter storm warning until noon on Wednesday, and up to five inches of snow are predicted. Up to 55 mph wind gusts are possible.
The South gets hammered with freeze warnings and advisories.
On Wednesday, a section of the Southeast from Arkansas to the Carolinas saw subfreezing temperatures.
In some areas of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina on Wednesday morning, a freeze warning is in force before a freeze watch is put into action in commencing Wednesday night in the states. The National Weather Service forecasts low temperatures in the “middle to high 20s” for the region.
What distinguishes a freeze watch from a warning? The weather service states that when widespread, substantial freezing temperatures are possible, a freeze watch is issued. Nonetheless, a freeze warning is sent when certain conditions are “anticipated.”
Parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee are under a freeze warning until Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. Residents in the states were forewarned by the weather service that frost conditions might ruin crops and harm outdoor plumbing.
A ATMOSPHERIC RIVER IS WHAT? These vapor rivers can stretch for thousands of kilometres.
WHAT SETS A BLIZZARD ASIDE? High winds and significant snowfall are anticipated across the nation.
California experiences floods and snow
Northern and central California were under a winter storm warning that brought heavy snow to certain areas of the Golden State until Wednesday night. In higher elevations over 6,000 feet in Western Plumas County and the adjacent areas, snow accumulations of up to 10 inches are likely, while 20 inches are possible in locations over 8,000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 70 mph.
According to AccuWeather meteorologists, a storm that is forming an atmospheric river is moving over the state and will deliver snow and rain on Wednesday.
In areas of Los Angeles County and other regions of southern California, a flood watch is in place through Wednesday morning, and heavy rain could potentially cause rivers and streams to overflow. The National Weather Service issued a warning, predicting “severe street flooding” as well as the possibility of mudslides and rockslides.
The Associated Press is a contributor.
