A snowstorm that dumped up to a foot of snow in the Midwest has moved east, where it merged with low pressure, bringing heavy snow and freezing temperatures to the Northeast. Residents from Michigan to Maine have had their lives disrupted.
State and county government offices and public schools are closed after the storm dumped 2 to 7 inches of snow around the state. Winter storm warnings remain in effect statewide. Transportation officials warn that roads are not clear and they’re are asking people to stay home if possible.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Roads are being cleared and many schools systems are closed after the storm blew through Washington and surrounding areas overnight, leaving at least 2 inches of snow. The federal government and the District of Columbia government will be open Friday, but workers have the option to take leave or work from home.
Nearly 17 inches of snow fell Thursday in some of Chicago’s northern suburbs, and more than 12 inches of snow was recorded at Midway International Airport. The temperature is expected to be a lingering problem. The National Weather Service says Chicago-area wind chills Monday and Tuesday could sink to 45 below zero.
The National Weather Service reported temperatures less than 5 degrees below zero in parts of northern Indiana before dawn Friday. Wind gusts of 35 mph could cause travel troubles from snowfall that began Wednesday night and continued into Thursday.
Forecasters say the wind chill could make it feel like 45 degrees below zero on Friday in parts of northern Maine. Authorities warn that people who don’t dress properly risk frostbite and hypothermia. Caribou hit 28 below early Thursday, breaking the old record of minus-20 for the date.
Massachusetts residents woke up to nearly 2 feet of snow in some areas and wind chills well below zero. The National Weather Service says the temperature in Boston was 2 degrees Friday morning but felt like 20-below. Boston had more than 13 inches of snow, with higher amounts north of the city, including 21 inches in Boxford.
Maryland officials are restricting traffic on several bridges, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, because of strong winds. The Maryland Transportation Authority reports sustained winds or gusts exceeding 50 mph Friday morning. That means only cars, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and heavy-laden tractor trailers may cross.
Temperatures are in the single-digits across much of Michigan on Friday morning, with readings of 2 degrees below zero at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The National Weather Service reports that the storm Tuesday through Thursday left 11.6 inches of snow in Wyandotte and 11.1 inches in Romulus, both in Metro Detroit. More snow is expected late Saturday and Sunday. And colder weather is forecast for Monday.
The storm is expected to move out of the area later Friday, but the cold will linger. Wind chill readings are ranging from 15-below to 35-below zero, and more of the same is expected Friday night. Most flights Friday morning were canceled at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, and numerous schools remained closed for a second day.
Mass transit is operating, but at a slower pace. Tickets bought for state-run rail, light rail or bus systems are being honored by all three transit modes. More than one-fourth of Friday’s outgoing flights at Newark Liberty Airport have been canceled, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware.Next Page >
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