Northeastern US braces for 'crippling' blizzard
Updated: 2015-01-27 02:52
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
NEW YORK - The U.S. Northeast on Monday braced for a massive, crippling blizzard that could dump as much as three feet of snow as tens of millions of people were urged to stay home and airlines canceled thousands of flights.
Transit systems in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts planned to curtail services, and several governors ordered motorists off roadways by evening in a region that is home to some 50 million people.
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for New York City and surrounding areas between coastal New Jersey and Connecticut, beginning 1 p.m. EST (1800 GMT) on Monday and worsening overnight.
The weather service warned the approaching system would be a "crippling and potentially historic blizzard," with many areas along the East Coast expected to be blanketed by 12 inches to 24 inches (30-60 cm) of snow. The New York City area could be the hardest hit, with lashing winds topping 50 miles per hour (81 kph) and snowfall of three feet or more in some suburbs.
Vacationers and business travelers faced headaches as airlines canceled about 2,700 flights, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware, including nearly 700 flights at the three main airports serving New York City.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency and deployed National Guard troops to a number of counties in the southern part of the state as well as New York City.
N.Y. authorities said they were considering a total travel ban on main roads, starting at 11 p.m. EST (0400 GMT Tuesday).
"It could be a matter of life and death so caution is required," Cuomo said. "This is not an evening or a night to be out and about."
Today's Top News
Greek leftist leader Tsipras claims victory
Favorable visa policy to draw talent
German company counts on brand to lure top people
EU FMs to discuss Ukraine crisis
Expert: What Obama's India visit means to China
China to focus on reforms, opening of capital market
Li Ka-shing set to buy UK's O2
Saudi King Abdullah dies, succeeded by half-brother
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
CES: Spotlight on Chinese gadgets |
Yearender: What happened around the globe in 2014 |
National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre victims |
Corrupt female officials spark debate |
Blue skies ready to greet APEC |
Growth pangs |