One of the most serious snowstorms is expected to hit the northeast region of the U.S. Monday night and continue on to Tuesday, one which led to the cancellation of thousands of flights and may affect up to 40 million people, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm is expected to affect a vast 250-mile region from northern New Jersey up to southern Maine, and some states may see up to 3 feet of snowfall. Winds in some areas are expected to lash up to 50 mph, and the New York Times reports that winds can blow up to “hurricane strength” in coastal areas and warned that floods and power outages are possible.
“This is a major, potentially historic snowstorm for the Northeast and easily the biggest of the 2014-15 winter season so far,” said Chris Dolce, a weather.com meteorologist. “Expect extreme impacts from eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey through New England, peaking Monday night through Tuesday. Avoid all travel, as it will be extremely dangerous with blizzard or near-blizzard conditions likely.”
City and state leaders in the region have been quick to release statements regarding the situation, urging their residents to stay safe, refrain from travel, and to remain at home.
“It is imperative that you have a plan in place to get home safely this evening before the heavy snow begins and remain there for the duration of the storm,” warned Dannel Malloy, the governor of Connecticut.
Malloy issued a statewide travel ban beginning 9 p.m. on Monday. Similarly, New York is expected to see limited subway availability after 7 p.m., and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo may issue a travel ban beginning 11 p.m., according to a USA Today report. New Jersey will stop its commuter trains beginning 10 p.m. Monday. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that streets will be closed to “non-emergency traffic” beginning 11 p.m. Monday, and that schools will be closed on Tuesday. Philadelphia schools are also ending early on Monday at noon.
Other than the closures, cities have been taking further measures to ensure that they are well prepared to confront the storm.
The New York Sanitation Department, for example, has prepared 2,400 staff to work 12-hour shifts, and New York City has prepared plows and emergency crews to ensure safety ahead of the storm.
