Motorists were strongly advised to refrain from unnecessary travel on Monday as a Winter Storm unleashed substantial snowfall across the nation. The National Weather Service cautioned that the weather conditions were poised to escalate into “intense blizzard conditions” from Monday into Tuesday.
In an early Monday advisory, the weather service indicated that the central and southern Plains could experience snowfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour on Monday night into Tuesday, with the snowstorm progressing into the Midwest.
In addition, the weather service issued a warning of a high risk of severe thunderstorms along the central Gulf Coast from Monday night into Tuesday. This included the potential for very strong winds, possible tornadoes, and a significant risk of flash flooding through Wednesday, affecting a considerable portion of the East Coast.
Tragically, at a popular flea market in Fairfax, California, a girl became trapped under a tree that toppled due to strong winds on Sunday, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. The news station later confirmed that she received treatment at a hospital, although her condition was not immediately available on Monday morning.
Responding to the impending severe weather, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared on Sunday that the Texas Division of Emergency Management had elevated its preparedness level. Governor Abbott stated, “The State of Texas stands ready to deploy all available resources to take care of Texans and our communities as multiple severe weather threats begin to impact the state tomorrow.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul characterized the storm as a “classic nor’easter” and urged caution in the face of snowfall, along with the prospect of up to 6 inches of rain and potential flooding in certain areas.
By Sunday afternoon, Massachusetts had already received a foot of snow, leaving 13,000 homes without power. This number had decreased to 5,600 by Monday morning. Hazardous conditions and snow are anticipated in the interior Northeast throughout Tuesday, while a blizzard is expected in the Plains, covering northeast New Mexico, eastern Colorado, the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles, western Kansas, and southwest Nebraska.
The weather service emphasized the severity of the conditions, stating, “Wind gusts as high as 60-70 mph will create ferocious blizzard conditions with whiteouts. Travel will become extremely dangerous to impossible. If you must travel, pack a winter survival kit, as wind chills will plummet below zero.”
Governor Hochul reiterated the importance of vigilance and caution, especially for those who need to travel, saying, “We have seen snow accumulations across the state, and with more on the way, we are keeping a close eye on potential impacts throughout the day. I urge New Yorkers to stay vigilant and practice caution.”
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Meanwhile, on the West Coast, two potent winter storm systems are expected to pass over the Pacific Northwest on Monday night, bringing substantial snowfall and blizzard conditions. The weather service forecasts more than a foot of snow for higher elevations of the Northern Rockies on Tuesday and Wednesday.
