The northeastern United States is on high alert for a crippling blizzard. A powerful storm is forecast to hit the area between Monday night and
ADVERTISEMENTThe northeastern United States is on high alert for a crippling blizzard.
A powerful storm is forecast to hit the area between Monday night and Tuesday morning (January 26-27) local time. Meteorologists predict between 60 cm and one metre of snow will be dumped across the region.
Tens of millions of people have been urged to stay at home. More than 5,000 flights have been cancelled and schools are temporarily closed.
Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio warned people to be alert.
“Everything we know so far makes it clear you can’t underestimate this storm. This is not a typical storm. It’s going to pack a real punch and we have to expect heavy accumulation in a very short period of time,” he said. “There is another crucial point: some storms come in in a measured manner. This is going to come in in a sudden spurt of activity.”
De Blasio went on to announce the only transport that would be allowed on the roads after 11pm local time on Monday would be emergency vehicles.
In preparation, locals started stocking up on food and supplies over the weekend.
States of emergency have since been declared in New York and New Jersey.