Fast-Moving ‘Freight Train’ Winter Storm Hammers Northeast

Days after a blizzard struck much of the northeastern United States, leaving up to 35” (89 cm) of snow in some areas, a second winter storm was blasting the region with heavy snow and accumulations of up to 10” (25 cm) of the white stuff.

“It’s going to be coming in like a freight train,” said Steven DiMartino, the head of a private meteorology company based in New Jersey, on a forecast broadcast on YouTube.

In the New York metropolitan area a winter storm watch is in effect until 9 p.m., the National Weather Service said, and moderate to heavy snow is predicted.

“Travel could be very difficult,” the agency warned.

Airlines and airports are telling travelers to check with them before leaving for their flights.

Over 340 flights have been delayed as of 1:30 p.m. EST according to FlightAware, a service that tracks such information, and over 1,100 experienced delays.  Newark Liberty International Airport reported that 20% of its flights were cancelled Sunday, while Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport said that the figure was 19%.  John F. Kennedy International Airport reported that 8% of its flights had been delayed while 12% were experiencing delays.

If you must drive, keep an extra flashlight and smartphone battery in the car along with food and water.

Sunday’s storm will be followed by more snow on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and next Sunday, according to the latest forecasts, while temperatures will hover around the freezing mark, until falling precipitously the following Monday with daily high temperatures that day expected to not even hit the freezing mark.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)