Record blizzards and dangerous floods: a powerful storm hit the northeastern United States

A severe winter storm hit the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. Officials urged residents to prepare for more dangerous weather, writes CNN.

New York, February 1, 2021. Photo: Shutterstock

Parts of eastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey received more than 2 feet (61 cm) of snow. The highest levels recorded so far were in Nazareth and Ancient Oaks, Pennsylvania at 31 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

More than a foot (30,5 cm) of snow covered areas in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

New York City's Central Park was covered in more than 2 inches (17 cm) of snow on the morning of Tuesday February 43,18, making the winter storm one of the 20 worst blizzards in the city's history.

Isn't Central Park magical when covered in snow? ❄️

Thank you to our #CentralParkConservancy colleagues for working around the clock, so all New Yorkers can safely enjoy its 843-acre backyard year-round. pic.twitter.com/wWmksxY2CF

- Central Park (@CentralParkNYC) February 2, 2021

“This winter storm is already producing large amounts of snow and hazardous travel conditions, and is expected to continue into tomorrow,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday.

Snowfall is expected to be heaviest on Tuesday, February 2, in northern New England, with another 6-12 inches (15,24-30,48 cm) falling. Lighter snow is expected in most of the northeast.

But it's not just heavy snowfall and weather that worries officials: coastal flood alerts from Maine to southern Delaware are reaching more than 16 million people.

The New York Governor's office warned on Monday February 1 that areas along the coast could survive "multiple rounds of flooding, especially during high tides."

As a WNY native, this is what I'd call a “light dusting” on the Upper West Side — but NYC is in for a lot more today. Snow coverage ❄️ all morning long with @patkiernan @JamieStelter @AnnikaPergament @ErickAdameOnTV on @NY1 pic.twitter.com/AuLrZb4cQ0

- John Matey (@John_Matey) February 1, 2021

Yes I'm the happiest person rn! ?❄️❤️ #SnowDay #SnowStorm2021 #snow #NYC #NYCSnow pic.twitter.com/By1XstVVDI

- My name isn't Alice (@ arnoldcruz_1309) February 1, 2021

According to CNN meteorologist Michael Guy, on the morning of February 2, mild to moderate flooding was reported along the coast of the region, enough to flood basements, roads and cause minor structural damage. The water level is currently 2-4 feet (60,1-122 cm) above normal, Guy said.

“This type of flooding is extremely dangerous and even deadly,” Guy added.

Closure of vaccination points

Vaccination sites across New York City were closed on Monday, February 1 due to the storm, and at least five public vaccination sites in the state will be closed on Tuesday, February 2.

“For the safety of both workers and vaccine appointments, we will postpone appointments until tomorrow at several vaccination sites impacted by the storm,” Cuomo said in a statement. “To be clear, no one is losing their appointments – they will all be rescheduled when conditions are safer.”

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

In New Jersey, where a state of emergency remains in effect, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that state offices and six state immunization stations will remain closed on Tuesday, Feb.2, due to weather conditions.

“Heavy snowfall, coastal flooding and strong winds are expected to continue across the state today and tomorrow,” Murphy said Feb. 1. “I urge all of our residents to follow weather-related guidance and stay off the roads to ensure access for essential workers and emergency personnel.”

Watch as snow accumulated in New Jersey from Sunday into Monday. Certain regions of the Garden State are expected to end up with nearly 2 feet on the ground? pic.twitter.com/4GkNiHBmTb

- NowThis (@nowthisnews) February 2, 2021

In Pennsylvania, where Gov. Tom Wolfe signed the hurricane emergency statement, officials said on February 1 that they were concerned about how the conditions would affect vaccinations.

“During a hurricane, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency works with our state and county partners to ensure we have a clear understanding of the storm and its impact on different parts of the state,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield.

“We are especially concerned about the shipping and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, so we appreciate citizens taking this storm seriously and staying off the roads because fewer vehicles mean fewer incidents that could delay these operations,” Padfield added.

Chocolate and snow were both on the menu yesterday as Hershey, Pennsylvania, got a taste of snowfall from a rapidly approaching storm. https://t.co/jyL4yPySdW pic.twitter.com/gH5E9yF7F4

- AccuWeather (@accuweather) February 1, 2021

Dangerous travel conditions in the region

When a storm hit Connecticut on February 1, Stamford authorities announced they had rescued two people from a pickup truck that had been hit by high winds, snowfall and a high tide that filled the car with water.

In the afternoon that day, firefighters found the truck partially submerged and floating 40 feet (12 meters) offshore. Rescuers reported that a woman stood on one side of the car and shouted that the man was locked inside.

Really coming down nicely in East Norwalk, Connecticut! 6.5 "of new snow as of 12pm; 1.7 ”of that accumulated between 11am and 12pm. #ctwx @NWSNewYorkNY @ryanhanrahan @RachelFrank_CT @gilsimmons @MarkDixonTV @KaitlynMcGrath pic.twitter.com/kET5pDrXw3

- ? Sam Sagnella⚡️ (@SamSagnella) February 1, 2021

Firefighters swam to the vehicle and were able to pull the woman out using an aerial ladder while trying to quickly rescue the man as the truck quickly became completely submerged in water,” the fire department said in a statement.

"One firefighter held the man's hand and was able to pull him out through a small window after the truck became completely submerged," the department said. “Once he was free, firefighters placed him on the ladder and both occupants were brought to shore.”

The man was later hospitalized, authorities said.

On the subject: Why colds and flu are more common in winter than in summer

The New Jersey State Police said they responded to more than 1 traffic accidents and over 660 car problems in about a day on the evening of February 1000.

“Assistance to motorists can be with anything from flat tires to mechanical failures, spinning, etc.,” police said. “We urge residents to stay off the roads.”

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