What Happened
A historic winter storm has impacted the northeastern United States, with over 40 million people under blizzard warnings as of Monday. This storm is being reported as the strongest nor’easter in nearly a decade, with heavy snowfall and fierce winds causing significant disruptions. In New York City, Central Park recorded 19.7 inches of snow, while parts of Brooklyn and Queens received 20 inches. Long Island saw even higher totals, with Central Islip reporting 31 inches.
Why It Matters
The storm has led to widespread power outages and travel bans across several states, including New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. States of emergency have been declared in multiple states, including Connecticut and Rhode Island. This blizzard is notable as it marks the first blizzard warning for New York City in nine years and has resulted in dangerous travel conditions due to whiteout conditions and near-zero visibility.
What’s Next
As the storm continues to move east, conditions are expected to remain hazardous for an extended period. The National Weather Service has indicated that travel will remain dangerous, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. However, a warming trend is anticipated starting Wednesday, with temperatures expected to rise into the 40s, which may help melt the accumulated snow.
