A relentless winter storm has attacked the tri-state area bringing with it heavy rain and floods as well as power outages. As the region tries to clean up after the storm, here is a full review of its effects and what residents will face in days ahead.
The New York City Metro area is flooded with new accounts of power outages. Streets are filled up with water and fallen trees brought about by the intensifying Winter Storm. The situation is changing at high velocity, with challenges growing in the tri-state.
Rainfall and Flood Warnings
As early as Wednesday morning, up to 4 inches of rain is expected over parts of the tri-state area. Making this problem worse is the fact that this rain is coming down into a foot plus of snow cover from last weekend. The National Weather Service has also issued flood warnings for several counties. Warnings are raised for the possibility of severe flooding and wind damage.
Winter Storm : Power Outages and Wind Gusts
For instance, wind gusts above 60 mph in some areas are quite threatening, especially at the Jersey Shore and Long Island. The Storm’s effect is widespread from schools to transportation and emergency services.
Travel provisions have been devastated by the Storm that has caused delays in airports such as JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty. The FAA has issued alerts due to hundreds of flight cancellations. Roadways are also facing delays, with problems in major routes reported.
Winter Storm : State of Emergency Declarations
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a state of emergency starting from 5 p.m Tuesday and used resources to respond to the storm’s effects. Several cities like Paterson and Newark have also taken similar steps putting emphasis on safety procedures. The residents are asked to stay away from the road unless it is imperative for them to do so.
Local authorities are doing things proactively to lessen the impact of Storms. In Paterson, the Mayor Andre Sayegh announced a state of emergency and has opened up a Red Cross shelter for residents who need somewhere to stay. Similarly, Hoboken declared state of emergency advising residents to stay away from flood prone zones and avoid driving at the time when on peak.
Winter Storm Aftermath: What’s Next?
The effects are far-reaching, lingering as late as Wednesday and Thursday after the Storm. It is predicted that local rivers will rise, leading to complete disclosure of the Storm’s effect. In the meantime, weather agencies are tracking this situation closely and issue warnings and advisories as needed.
Looking Ahead: Residual Flooding and Future Forecasts
With the rise in temperature into the high 40s on Wednesday, the tri-state area can expect residual flooding beyond immediate aftermath. The weather is predicted to clear for a short time, providing some relief in the form of mostly sunny days. Meanwhile, there is an impending possibility of rain in the future with predictions of thunderstorms and wintry precipitation.
Conclusion: Navigating the Winter Storm Challenges
Residents of the tri-state region are urged to be safe during this Winter Storm and pay attention to official flood advisories. In navigating the challenges brought about by the Storm, it will be important to have collaborative efforts between residents, emergency services and local authorities. Though the uncertainties remain, resilience and preparedness will help to survive this mighty Winter Storm.
