Increased Snowfall Blankets Great Lake
The Northeast is getting ready for more snow on Friday, and this is causing concerns for emergency situations due to dangerous travel conditions. Winter weather alerts are active for over 100 million people, which is almost 30% of the US population. This includes areas in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Plains, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. Last week, extreme winter conditions resulted in at least 55 deaths, mostly in the Pacific Northwest and South.
Snow has started falling in parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast early on Friday. An additional 1 to 3 inches of snow could happen from the Great Lakes to the East Coast. However, areas near the coast and the Appalachians might see totals approaching half a foot by the end of Friday.
Cities like Washington, DC, and Baltimore could see 2 to 6 inches of snow, while Philadelphia and New York City are expecting 4 to 6 inches and 2 to 3 inches, respectively. The heaviest snow is expected to ease up by late Friday.
New York City officials have issued a travel advisory for Friday, warning about low visibility and possible travel delays. Philadelphia is getting ready for its first major snow event in almost two years.
Further north, the lake-effect snow in Buffalo, New York, is expected to weaken significantly by Friday, but its impacts might last through the weekend. Buffalo might get an additional 3 inches on the heavy snow it has already received.
The heaviest lake-effect snow, up to 8 inches, is anticipated in the southern shores of the Great Lakes region, including Cleveland, Ohio, and Erie, Pennsylvania, into Saturday morning. Emergency protocols are activated due to the potential snow accumulation across a large area of the US.
Philadelphia has declared a snow emergency for Friday. Managing Director Adam Thiel stressed the seriousness of the situation, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel.
In New York City, emergency management officials expect an impact on the Friday evening commute. While the morning commute is not expected to be affected, the evening commute may face travel delays due to snow and slush-covered roads with low visibility.
Outreach teams in New York City plan to canvass the five boroughs to provide shelter to the homeless during the cold weather.
In nearby New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy extended the state of emergency in anticipation of 3 to 6 inches of snow. The state is preparing for potentially dangerous conditions, with concerns about snow turning to ice by Friday morning, affecting both the morning and evening commutes.
Various states, including West Virginia, are under a state of emergency ahead of the winter storm. On the West Coast, Oregon is grappling with a severe ice storm, leading to a statewide emergency declaration. Thousands are impacted by power outages, lack of transportation, and safety concerns.
As of Friday morning, over 108,000 homes and businesses in Oregon were without power. Oregon and Washington state may see additional ice accumulation and up to 6 inches of snow through Friday.
Several major school districts across the country have closed or opted for virtual learning amid the ongoing winter weather. Portland Public Schools in Oregon will remain closed, and various schools on the East Coast, including Baltimore City Public Schools, The School District of Philadelphia, and Fairfax County Public Schools, have also announced closures or early dismissals.
In the Midwest, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and other Ohio school districts, including Akron Public Schools and Hamilton City Schools, will be closed. In Iowa, Stanton Community Schools and the Sidney Community School District will have virtual learning on Friday.
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