A massive blizzard is set to hit the U.S. East Coast from Maryland to Massachusetts, with forecasters warning of 1 to 2 feet of snow, damaging winds up to 55 mph, and potential flooding, leading to widespread preparations and travel warnings.
Cities and towns along the U.S. East Coast, spanning from Maryland to Massachusetts, are in a frantic scramble to prepare for a powerful blizzard. Forecasters have issued blizzard alerts for major metropolitan areas including New York City, Long Island, Boston, and coastal communities in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The National Weather Service predicts 1 to 2 feet (30 to 61 centimeters) of snow in many areas, with some regions experiencing up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) per hour. The storm, described as one of the largest in several years for this populated region, is expected to bring damaging winds with gusts up to 55 mph (80 kph), creating whiteout conditions that will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Officials also warn of possible flooding in parts of New York and New Jersey, along with sporadic power outages due to strong winds and the weight of snow on tree limbs. The storm is set to begin Sunday morning in the Washington area, stretch towards Philadelphia and New York City, and reach Boston by evening, with the heaviest snow projected overnight Sunday into Monday. Cities like New York are expanding snow-clearing efforts, while businesses anticipate round-the-clock work. Residents are urged to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel, with many churches canceling Sunday services.
