The heavy snow, rain and gale-force winds from two storms that slammed the Northeast and California were easing Wednesday but still threatening havoc to both coasts with flooding, power outages and travel woes.
Both regions were bracing for more snow, rain and other wintry weather on Wednesday, although many winter storm warning were expected to lifted through the day.
The dig-out was underway in places such as Peterborough, New Hampshire, and Ashby, Massachusetts, where almost 3 feet of heavy, wet snow fell. At least 2 feet fell in parts of northern New York and the Catskill Mountains, the National Weather Service said.
Meanwhile, parts of northern and central California battered by the latest atmospheric river could also see snow accumulations into Wednesday, the National Weather Service said. California has been the target of 10 previous atmospheric rivers in recent weeks – long plumes of moisture from the Pacific Ocean – and powerful storms fueled by Arctic air that produced blizzard conditions.
“This potent storm is expected to produce heavy mountain snow and gusty winds from the Sierra to the central/northern Rockies,” forecast Paul Ziegenfelder said.
Developments:
►Many of the hundreds of districts that closed schools Tuesday were reopening Wednesday, although many were operating on delayed schedules.
►An inflatable sports arena dome collapsed in Goffstown, New Hampshire, after 15 inches of snow. No injuries were immediately reported.
►Several cows were killed when a barn collapsed at a dairy farm in Dracut, Massachusetts. The owners of Shaw Farm said no staff members were hurt.
WHAT IS A NOR’EASTER?:Storms can batter East Coast with snow, impact millions of people
WHAT IS THE POLAR VORTEX? In-depth look at how it can affect winter weather in the US.
Thousands without power; air traffic improving
More than 150,000 homes and businesses across New York and New England were without power early Wednesday, and almost 200,000 were dark in California, most in the San Francisco Bay area.
Unitil, which provides electricity and natural gas in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine, was expecting a “multiday restoration effort,” spokesman Alec O’Meara warned.
In California, “the most intense part of the storm has mostly passed,” Pacific Electric & Gas tweeted. “Crews are working through challenging conditions to restore customers safely and as quickly as possible.”
Almost 2,000 flights were delayed or canceled in Boston Logan, LaGuardia and New Jersey’s Newark airports Tuesday as a winter storm dumped more than 2 feet of snow in parts of the Northeast. Early Wednesday, more than 250 flights had been delayed or canceled at New York’s LaGuardia and Kennedy Airports alone.
70-mph winds, evacuations in California
Almost 27,000 Californians were under evacuation orders Tuesday because of flooding and landslide risks. On the central coast, workers hauled truckloads of rocks to plug a broken river levee amid steady rain and wind. Damaging winds with gusts topping 70 mph blew out windows, and there were numerous reports of falling trees.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Tuesday for three additional counties – Alpine, Orange and Trinity. They join 40 counties previously proclaimed in a state of emergency since a line of severe winter storms began rolling through the state last month. At Newsom’s request, last week President Joe Biden issued a presidential emergency declaration authorizing federal assistance to support state and local storm response efforts.
Winter storm rocks New York, New England
A winter storm warning was lifted Wednesday morning in Pennsylvania, New York and parts of New England, where snow accumulations of up to 10 inches were expected. Winds in the region could gust up to 45 mph.
The National Weather Service warned that travel in the area could be difficult, and the weight of snow on tree branches is expected to cause power outages. If people must travel, they should keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicles, officials advised.
A winter storm warning is in effect until noon on Wednesday in parts of Maine and New Hampshire, and snow is expected to reach up to 5 inches. Winds could gust up to 55 mph.
Freeze warnings, advisories hit the South
Freezing temperatures blanketed a stretch of the Southeast from Arkansas to the Carolinas on Wednesday.
A freeze warning is in effect Wednesday morning in parts of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, before a freeze watch takes effect in the states beginning Wednesday night. Temperatures as low as the “middle to upper 20s” are expected in the area, according to the National Weather Service.
- What’s the difference between a freeze watch and warning? A freeze watch “is issued when there is a potential for significant, widespread freezing temperatures,” according to the weather service. But a freeze warning is issued when those temperatures are “expected.” e expected.”
A freeze warning is in effect in parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee until 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The weather service warned residents in the states that frost conditions can kill crops and could damage outdoor plumbing.
WHAT IS AN ATMOSPHERIC RIVER? These rivers of water vapor can extend thousands of miles.
WHAT DEFINES A BLIZZARD? Heavy snow and high winds expected to sweep across country.
California sees snow, flooding
A winter storm warning stretched along northern and central California, bringing heavy snow across parts of the Golden State until Wednesday evening. Snow accumulations of up to 10 inches are possible at higher elevations over 6,000 feet in Western Plumas County and the surrounding areas, while 20 inches are possible in areas above 8,000 feet. Winds could reach up to 70 mph.
A storm that is creating an atmospheric river is spreading across the state, AccuWeather meteorologists explained, bringing rain and snow into Wednesday.
A flood watch is in effect through Wednesday morning in parts of Los Angeles County and other sections of southern California, and heavy rain could potentially flood rivers and streams. The National Weather Service warned that “extensive street flooding,” is likely, while mudslides and rockslides are also possible.
Contributing: The Associated Press
