US, Canada: Adverse winter weather forecast across eastern US and southeastern Canada through at least Feb. 2 /update 2

Event

A storm system is forecast to bring snow and ice to portions of the Ohio Valley, Tennesee Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions of the US, as well as; far eastern Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and southern Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada through at least Feb. 2. The affected area includes eastern Kentucky, eastern Tennessee, far southeastern Indiana, southwestern Ohio, far western North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Washington, DC, US and far eastern Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and southern Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada.

Heavy snowfall is forecast to continue across the Ohio Valley, Tennessee Valley, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions through at least Feb. 2. Forecast models indicate the system has brought several inches of heavy snowfall across the affected areas.

Government Advisories
As of Feb. 1, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for far western North Carolina, far northeastern West Virginia, Maryland, eastern and central Pennsylvania, northern Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, southern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Winter storm watches have been issued for the remainder of the affected area including, eastern Kentucky, eastern Tennessee, southern and eastern West Virginia, Maryland, western Pennsylvania, central New York, northern Vermont, and Washington, DC. A state of emergency has been issued for New Jersey as a result of the system. A snow emergency has been issued for Philadelphia and Washington, DC, in response to the storm.

Additionally, Environment Canada has issued warnings for heavy snowfall for southern New Brunswick and western Prince Edward Island and strong winds warning for eastern Nova Scotia. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update existing advisories as the winter storm transits the region over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The latest forecast guidance indicates that widespread accumulations of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) are expected from eastern Pennsylvania to northern New Jersey, southern New York, and New England. Locally higher totals of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) are possible from eastern Pennsylvania to northern New Jersey and southeastern New York, where the heaviest and most persistent snowfall is forecast. Lesser accumulations of 2.5-30 cm (1-12 inches) are expected across the rest of the affected area, including the Ohio Valley, Tennessee Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions in the US, as well as far eastern Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and southern Newfoundland and Labrador, where sleet and freezing rain mix with the snow and the precipitation are less intense. In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts are likely to lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard conditions are possible. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout the affected area.

Transport
The inclement weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area through at least Feb. 2. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways, including the I-81, I-84, and I-95 corridors in the US, as well as the Trans-Canada Highway in Canada. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Authorities in New Jersey have suspended New Jersey Transit buses and most rail lines, Feb. 1. Heavy wet snow and strong winds could bring down power lines and trees with foliage. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports. As of Feb. 1, over 75% of the flights scheduled for Feb. 1 have been canceled from JFK International Airport (JFK), in New York City. Additionally, 86% of all flights from LaGuardia Airport in New York City have been canceled. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey has canceled 68 percent of flights as of Feb. 1.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area through at least Feb. 2. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

US National Weather Service
US Road Conditions
Meteorological Service of Canada