USA: Winter storm Toby strikes the east March 21 /update 2

Event

Winter Storm Toby is striking the northeast, the mid-Atlantic, and the southeast as of Wednesday, March 21. According to current forecasts, the northeast is expected to receive up to 30 cm (12 in) of snow. The National Weather Service has issued winter weather alerts for a large swathe of the eastern United States, including the Washington, DC, New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia metropolitan areas.

Significant transportation disruptions are to be anticipated throughout the region on Wednesday, along with potential power outages. Thousands of flights have been delayed or canceled, including at airports in New York/Newark (JFK, LGA, EWR), DC/Baltimore (BWI, DCA, IAD), Boston (BOS), Hartford (BDL), Philadelphia (PHL), and Providence (PVD). Disruptions to rail and public transit services as well as hazardous driving conditions are to be anticipated. Residual disruptions are possible March 22.

Context

Three major winter storms - Quinn, Riley, and Skylar - have hit the northeast since the beginning of March, resulting in major transportation disruptions, days-long power outages, and at least nine deaths. Toby is not expected to be quite as powerful as these three other storms.

Advice

Individuals in the area 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.