Get out your mittens: Here’s what to expect from the nor’easter this weekend
It may be March, but winter is coming. The East Coast is currently getting hammered by a nor’easter that started yesterday, March 1st. Here’s what to expect from the nor’easter this weekend.
The storm, known as Winter Storm Riley has developed into a bomb cyclone, CNN reported today, March 2nd. The storm has already brought heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 50 mph, resulting in power outages across Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. The Weather Channel reported flooding in the Boston area and 24 inches of snow in New York state as of this morning.
But the storm is going to worsen from here.
The National Weather Service has warned that if you live in the area affected by the nor’easter, the storm’s impact should not be underestimated.
“Take this storm seriously!” the Boston branch of the organization tweeted yesterday, March 1st. “This is a LIFE & DEATH situation for those living along the coast, especially those ocean-exposed shorelines.”
[COASTAL FLOODING] Take this storm seriously! This is a LIFE & DEATH situation for those living along the coast, esp those ocean-exposed shorelines; moderate to major flooding; locations becoming inundated, cut off for periods of time; expect structural damage, homes destroyed pic.twitter.com/vGLB09BFbW
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) March 1, 2018
The Massachusetts coast, including the town of Scituate, facing a severe impact from the storm, has been ordered to evacuate. Residents living along the New Jersey coast have boarded up their houses in preparation.
The nor'easter hammering the East Coast has officially morphed into a "bomb cyclone" and continues to strengthen. Follow live updates: https://t.co/Gm1ncMF69T pic.twitter.com/N2A9G9OWxz
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) March 2, 2018
Strong winds and coastal flooding are likely to continue. Although major cities like New York City aren’t expected to see much snow piling up, parts of New York are expected to get 10 inches of snow or more. And New England could see as much as four inches of rain. The nor’easter is predicted to rage through March 3rd or longer, affecting areas as far north as Maine and as far south as Georgia.
If you have weekend travel plans, put them on hold.
Major airlines, including Delta, are waiving change fees due to more than 2,500 canceled flights. Amtrak has suspended trains between NYC and Boston due to downed trees and power lines. And road conditions in the region mean that you should stay home if you can avoid going out.
Service is temporarily being suspended between NYP and BOS due to severe storm related issues, flooding and multiple trees down impacting operations. Trains already operating between these cities will be proceeding with delays to their end points as of this time. Updates to come.
— Amtrak Northeast (@AmtrakNECAlerts) March 2, 2018
We've issued a travel waiver due to forecasted weather in the Northeast. For more information see https://t.co/It8RLSEalp
— Delta (@Delta) February 28, 2018
Our members are out on the roadways to respond to accidents and crashes, and answer calls during the duration of the storm.
Remember to drive slowly and with caution. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads.
Also, if you really don’t have to go out, don’t.
Be safe! pic.twitter.com/qrPEKlU6Fb— NewYorkStatePolice (@nyspolice) March 2, 2018
Conditions in the nor’easter this weekend are looking more and more dangerous. If you’re on the East Coast in the next few days, make sure you keep off the roads and have plenty of food and water stocked up. Stay safe, everyone!
