Blizzard Begins to Wallop Northeastern U.S.
Source: Reuters
Blizzard begins to wallop northeastern U.S.
Fri Feb 8, 2013 1:26pm EST
By Scott Malone and Shannon Stapleton
BOSTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - A blizzard blew into the northeastern United States on Friday, cutting short the workweek for millions who feared being stranded as state officials ordered roads closed ahead of what forecasters said could be record-setting snowfall.
Authorities scrambled to prepare for the storm, which had already resulted in a massive traffic pile-up in southern Maine and prompted organizers of the nation's sledding championship in Maine to postpone a race scheduled for Saturday, fearing too much snow for the competition.
From New York to Maine, the storm began gently, dropping a light dusting of snow, but officials urged residents to stay home, rather than risk getting stuck in deep drifts when the storm kicks up later Friday afternoon.
Even in its early stages, the storm created some panic. Drivers lined up at gas stations to top off their tanks, grocery stores were swamped as shoppers stocked up on bread and milk, and travelers were forced to confront flight delays and cancellations.
Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE91611P20130208
Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)500 dollar fine. They haven't done that in 35 years.
NutmegYankee
(16,199 posts)The governor said he was coordinating with Mass and RI on closing the highways.
dipsydoodle
(42,239 posts)and I was surprised to learn 10 years ago that they do similar there if the snow is bad enough. She risked it one night when she needed to get to the hospital pronto with her daughter, the police stopped her and given the expo escorted her the rest of the way.
BumRushDaShow
(129,096 posts)sasha031
(6,700 posts)Hoping we don't lose electricity, it's going to be more than difficult for maintenance crews to work of wires with 3 ft of snow and 50-70 ml hour winds.
Please all in the area of storm, keep safe.
Beacool
(30,250 posts)Worse than us in NJ. Stay safe!!!
sasha031
(6,700 posts)qanda
(10,422 posts)Hope this will be a time when you can spend some quality moments with your loved ones.
Myrina
(12,296 posts)hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)5 foot storm surge expected. It looks like it is changing over here in Brooklyn to sleet. We expect the snow to start in an hour or so.
rocktivity
(44,576 posts)They said it would start about 1PM, but there was an inch on the ground when I got up at 8AM. I headed for the local Radio Shack and traded up to a cell phone with a built-wifi, so I won't be cut off from the world if the lights go out like with Hurricane Sandy.
Bon Jovi have a gig at the casino in Uncasville CT tomorrow -- they say it's still gong on.
rocktivity
Beacool
(30,250 posts)Lots of sleet that hurts when it hits you. It's also very slippery.
eggplant
(3,911 posts)It's coming, I'm sure, but at the moment, it's quiet and not even too windy.
It was nice to see people in town sporting a festive spirit -- making sure to ask others if they are all ready for the storm, but with a kind smile on their faces.
for all the people in Eastern and Central MA, we're pulling for you. you're going to be getting it way worse than us.
apocalypsehow
(12,751 posts)Danmel
(4,916 posts)sounds like it might be an icy mix too, which worries me because the power is always a bit sketchy. Lots of trees that made it through Sandy are kind of compromised. Some ice and high winds and we could be out again. And it's cold outside.
Hissyspit
(45,788 posts)And saw a lot of the downed trees (mostly on the elevated areas). I'm trying to imagine Huntington and Cold Spring Jarbor and JFK all covered in snow.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)It's very pretty actually. As long as everyone stays inside and off the roads I think it should be ok.
wordpix
(18,652 posts)Here in DC the wind is up and it's blowing over 20 mph.