The belt going from New Mexico to Maine with several states within the region have been hit by a massive winter storm on Thursday morning. The heavy snow and ice have disrupted the cities, making travel and commute increasingly difficult, close to impossible in areas where snow was particularly relentless.
More than 100,000 homes and buildings have been affected by power outages caused by the winter storm. Several flights and public transit were also halted due to the extreme weather. The storm moved from the central region towards the South and Northeast U.S. Texas to Pennsylvania were likely to see ice due to freezing rain and while New England and surrounding areas were due to see heavy snow.
Approximately, 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) of snow is further expected throughout Ohio, New York and parts of northern New England. Meanwhile, Mississippi and Alabama were likely to see thunderstorms and likely tornadoes according to the Storm Prediction Center.
Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in College Park, in Maryland, Andrew Orrison, stated about the winter storm in the central U.S., “We have a lot of real estates covered by winter weather impacts this morning. We do have an expansive area of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain occurring.”
On the travel and transport restrictions imposed by the storm, Orrison said, “Unfortunately we are looking at enough ice accumulations that we will be looking at significant travel impacts.”
For some, this might be an opportunity to enjoy fresh and clean snow, while for others it can be an inconvenience at best and a dangerous time at worst. Many, however, are embracing the cold and the snow, like Elisha Waldman and her family from Chicago, who found the moment perfect for a day of sledding. “Cold and wet and wonderful, and getting cold and wet is part of the fun with the guys, and we get to go inside and have hot cocoa and warm up,” said Waldman. Despite the harsh promise of the storm, it did not pass or come close to the freezing temperatures the February 2021 winter storm brought to the country.
