USA: High winds, wintry weather to affect Northeast April 4-6

Event

Winter Storm Wilbur is forecast to bring high winds and consequent power outages to the American Northeast on Wednesday, April 4. The high winds may also cause tree limbs to fall, potentially resulting in localized traffic disruptions and damages to property. As of Wednesday, the storm has already brought snow of 13-48 cm (5.5-19 in) to parts of the upper Midwest (including Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) and the Rocky Mountains region (including Montana and Wyoming); three deaths have been reported from weather-related vehicle crashes in Michigan, and some 420 weather-related vehicle crashes have been reported in Minnesota, leaving 32 people injured. Additional snowfall associated with Wilbur is forecast in Lower Michigan and northern Maine through Wednesday evening (local time).

Additional snowfall of 2.5-7.6 cm (1-3 in) is forecast for the upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions from Thursday, April 5, into Friday, April 6, and for the interior parts of the Northeast (including Pennsylvania, Upstate New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine) from Thursday night into Friday. Associated transportation disruptions are possible, including flight delays and cancelations at regional airports such as Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), and Erie International Airport (ERI).

Context

Four major winter storms - Quinn, Riley, Skylar, and Toby - have hit the Northeast since the beginning of March, resulting in major transportation disruptions, days-long power outages, and several deaths.

Advice

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