Winter Storm Hits US Northeast, Disrupting Travel and Education
A powerful winter storm has slammed the northeastern coast of the United States, unleashing heavy snowfall and causing widespread travel chaos. The storm, which affected states including New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, led to the suspension of in-person schooling and the implementation of online classes as a result.
As a result of the storm, approximately 1,200 US flights, with the majority concentrated in New York and Boston, were canceled, while an additional 2,700 faced delays. Travel conditions became hazardous, leading to minor car accidents in major cities like Boston and New York City.
Tragically, a snowmobiler in Pennsylvania lost their life in a collision with a downed wire, highlighting the dangers associated with such extreme weather conditions.
Almost 50 million people were placed under winter weather alerts, with some areas witnessing the heaviest snowfall in years. The storm also resulted in power outages for around 150,000 residents in Pennsylvania, leaving them without electricity and heat during the freezing weather.
New York City students, who were already adjusting to remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, faced additional challenges as technical issues arose. The log-in software provider, IBM, was blamed for the problems, leaving many students unable to access their online classes.
Remarkably, this storm ended a 744-day snow drought for New York City, with Central Park receiving 3.2 inches of snow. The issue of climate change was brought to the forefront as residents noted the decline in snow and the increase in warm weather. They expressed concerns regarding shorter winters and longer periods of hot weather becoming increasingly common.
The storm shifted eastward, affecting regions in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and southern Massachusetts, where substantial snowfall accumulated. Power outages were also reported in these areas, impacting over 50,000 customers.
Canada was not immune to the storm’s effects, with Nova Scotia expected to be hit by 5-10 inches of snow. As the storm moved northward, authorities urged residents in affected regions to take precautions and stay safe.
As the winter storm continues to wreak havoc, local authorities and emergency services remain on high alert, ready to respond to any incidents that may arise.
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