Winter storms and extreme cold left at least 58 people dead in 10 US states, mainly in the Pacific Northwest and South Pacific.
Furthermore, around 5,000 flights were delayed and another 1,400 were canceled this Friday (19) in the country. More snow is expected to start the weekend.
More than 100 million people, nearly 30% of the U.S. population, are under winter weather advisories across the Pacific Northwest, Northern Plains, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Washington, DC, could accumulate 5 to 10 centimeters of snow this Friday (19), while Baltimore could accumulate 7 to 15 centimeters.
Philadelphia could see 4 to 6 inches of snow, while New York City expects 2 to 3 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
The heaviest snow in these areas should begin to taper off tonight.
Authorities issue alerts
New York City officials issued a statement on Friday warning of low visibility and possible travel delays.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia officials predict the storm will be the city's first major snow event in nearly two years.
Farther north, the snow hitting the Buffalo, New York area is also expected to weaken significantly, although its impacts are expected to last through the weekend.
Heavier snow, up to 8 inches, could fall on the southern shores of the Great Lakes region, including Cleveland, Ohio, and Erie, Pennsylvania, on Saturday morning.
The forecast led authorities to activate emergency protocols, as in Philadelphia.
“We need you to take this seriously. If you don’t need to be on the roads, don’t be on the roads,” Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel said at a press conference Thursday.
The city prepared by cleaning and treating roads, officials said. Additionally, more than 400 pieces of equipment are ready to assist in the response, according to Carlton Williams, who serves as commissioner of the city's Streets Department.
Philadelphia's central offices and schools will also be closed this Friday with remote learning in effect.
In New York City, emergency management officials warned that travel tonight could be affected by the storm.
“Snow-covered and slushy roads alongside low visibility are likely for nighttime travel, resulting in travel delays,” the city's emergency management highlighted in a press release.
As snow and cold blanket New York, emergency crews plan to roam the city's five boroughs to help provide shelter to the homeless, the city administration said.
Emergency protocols activated in all states
In neighboring New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy extended the state of emergency as the state expects between three and six inches of snow.
“It looks like Mother Nature is making up for lost time. After a few years of almost no snow in New Jersey, today we are heading into the second snowstorm of the week,” she commented.
A commercial vehicle ban was issued on several New Jersey highways Friday morning.
West Virginia is also in a state of emergency ahead of the winter storm, according to a news release from the governor's office.
On the West Coast, the entire state of Oregon is under a state of emergency due to the ongoing severe ice storm, the governor announced Thursday on social media.
As of Friday morning, more than 108,000 homes and businesses in Oregon were without power, according to the tracking website PowerOutage.us.
Schools closed
Some major school districts across the country have closed, while others have opted for virtual classes or alternative schedules.
After several days of closures amid ice storms, Portland Public Schools in Oregon will be closed again this Friday. The district is one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest according to its website, with more than 49,000 students enrolled.
“As eager as we are to reopen schools, we will not make a decision that puts our community in danger,” Portland Public Schools said.
On the East Coast, public schools in Baltimore City, the Philadelphia School District, Fairfax County public schools in Virginia, and Newark public schools in New Jersey are closed on Friday.
Public schools in Passaic, New Jersey will end classes early.
However, New York City public schools will continue regular schedules this Friday, according to the country's largest school district. More than one million students attend New York public schools.
In the Midwest, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District will be closed, including the CMSD Virtual School and the CMSD Remote School. Other Ohio school districts will be closed this year, including Akron Public Schools and Hamilton City Schools.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
