Heavy snow, rain and gale-force winds eased Wednesday from two storms that battered the Northeast and California, but still threaten to wreak havoc on both coasts with flooding, power outages and travel woes.
Both areas faced more snow, rain and other cold weather on Wednesday, although several winter storm warnings are expected to be lifted throughout the day.
Drilling was underway in Peterborough, New Hampshire and Ashby, Massachusetts, where nearly 3 feet of heavy, wet snow fell. At least 2 feet fell in northern New York and the Catskill Mountains, the National Weather Service said.
Meanwhile, parts of northern and central California affected by the recent atmospheric river may also see snow accumulation through Wednesday, the National Weather Service said. California has been the target of 10 former atmospheric rivers in recent weeks — long streams of moisture from the Pacific Ocean — and powerful storms fueled by Arctic air that have created blizzard conditions.
“This powerful storm is expected to produce heavy mountain snow and strong winds from the Sierra to the central/northern Rockies,” said Paul Ziegenfelder.
Developments:
►Many of the hundreds of districts that closed schools Tuesday reopened Wednesday, though many were operating on delayed schedules.
►The dome of an inflatable sports arena collapsed after 15 inches of snow fell in Goffstown, New Hampshire. No immediate injuries.
►Several cows died after a barn collapsed at a dairy farm in Tract, Massachusetts. No employees were injured, Shaw Farm owners said.
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thousands without power; Aviation is improving
More than 150,000 homes and businesses across New York and New England were without power early Wednesday, and nearly 200,000 were in the dark in California, most of them in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Unitil, which provides electricity and natural gas in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine, expected a “multi-day restoration effort,” spokesman Alec O’Meara warned.
In California, Pacific Electric & Gas tweeted that “the most intense part of the storm has largely passed.” “Teams work in challenging situations to recover customers safely and quickly.”
More than 2,000 flights were delayed or canceled at Boston’s Logan, LaGuardia and New Jersey airports on Tuesday. The winter storm dumped more than 2 feet of snow on parts of the Northeast. By early Wednesday, more than 250 flights had been delayed or canceled at New York’s LaGuardia and Kennedy airports alone.
70-mph winds, evacuation in California
Nearly 27,000 Californians were under evacuation orders Tuesday because of flooding and landslide risks. On the central coast, workers hauled rocks in trucks to plug a breached river bank amid steady rain and wind. Damaging winds with gusts as high as 70 mph blew out windows, and there were several reports of downed trees.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Tuesday for three additional counties: Alpine, Orange and Trinity. They join 40 counties previously declared under a state of emergency since severe winter storms began rolling across the state last month. At Newsom’s request, President Joe Biden last week issued a presidential emergency proclamation authorizing federal aid to support state and local storm response efforts.
Winter storm hits New York, New England
A winter storm warning was lifted Wednesday morning for parts of Pennsylvania, New York and New England with up to 10 inches of snow. Wind gusts of up to 45 mph are possible in the area.
The National Weather Service says travel in the area may be difficult and power outages are expected due to snow on tree branches. Officials advised people to keep extra electricity, food and water in their vehicles if they have to travel.
A winter storm warning is in effect for some areas until noon Wednesday Maine and New Hampshire, And snow is expected to reach up to 5 inches. Wind gusts up to 55 mph are possible.
Freeze warnings, advisories hit south
Freezing temperatures hit the Southeast from Arkansas to the Carolinas on Wednesday.
A frost warning is in effect for some areas Wednesday morning Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, Before a freeze watch comes into effect in the states starting Wednesday night. According to the National Weather Service, low temperatures are expected in the “mid to upper 20s” for the region.
- What is the difference between a freeze clock and an alarm? A freeze watch is “issued when there is the potential for significant, widespread freezing temperatures.” According to the weather service. But a frost warning is issued when those temperatures are “expected.” expected.”
A frost warning is in effect for parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee until 9 a.m. Wednesday. The weather service warned residents in the states that freezing conditions could destroy crops and damage outdoor pipes.
What is an Atmospheric River? These rivers of steam can stretch for thousands of miles.
What defines a blizzard? Heavy snow and high winds are expected across the country.
California sees snow, flooding
A winter storm warning was extended across northern and central California, bringing heavy snow to parts of the Golden State through Wednesday evening. Snow accumulations of up to 10 inches are possible in and around western Plumas County at elevations above 6,000 feet, while areas above 8,000 feet could receive 20 inches. Wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible.
A storm forming a river in the atmosphere is spreading across the state. AccuWeather meteorologists explained, Wednesday brings rain and snow.
A flood watch is in effect for parts of Los Angeles County and other parts of Southern California through Wednesday morning, and heavy rain could cause rivers and streams to flood. The National Weather Service warned that “extensive street flooding” is possible, while mudslides and rock slides are also possible.
Contributed by: Associated Press
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