USA: Major disruptions in northeast due to storm March 13 /update 1

Event

Winter Storm Skylar was set to hit the northeast beginning around midnight March 12-13 (local time). The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for all or parts of the following states: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York (including New York City), Massachusetts (including Boston), Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Up to 60 cm (24 in) of snow and winds up to 105 km/h (65 mph) is forecast for some areas. Coastal flooding is also possible and large-scale power outages are feared.

Nearly 1500 flights have already been canceled for March 13, notably at Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS), with disruptions expected to continue into March 14. Cancelations and major delays are also to be anticipated at airports in New York-Newark (JKF, LGA, EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), Providence (PVD), and Hartford (BDL). Amtrak train services between New York City and Boston have been suspended until at least 11:00 March 13 and various ferry services have been canceled. Individuals throughout the region are being advised to limit road travel due to ice and the risk of white-out conditions.

Context

Skylar is the third winter storm to hit the region in the past two weeks, following Winter Storm Riley, which struck March 2-3, and Winter Storm Quinn, March 7-8. The storms resulted in major flight disruptions, days-long power outages, and at least eight deaths.

Advice

Individuals in the area are advised to confirm flight and rail reservations, be cautious when driving, keep abreast of weather alerts, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.