Meteorologists give catastrophic Storm Fern update as 24IN of snow turns into deadly ice with 1M Americans plunged into darkness: ‘The worst is yet to come’
Written by: EMMA RICHTER, SENIOR US NEWS CORRESPONDENT and SOPHIE GABLE, US CORRESPONDENT
Updated:
Meteorologists have warned that the worst of Winter Storm Fern is yet to come as ‘catastrophic ice’ is expected to hit the Northeast Sunday night.
The National Weather Service Prediction Center says at least 24 inches of snow is set to blanket the region tonight through Monday morning, before deep freezing and icy conditions emerge across the southern region.
The predicted ice storm could cause more power outages as more than a million Americans are already left in the dark. 12 deaths have been reported so far.
Sunday only offered a glimpse of what will happen on Monday, according to the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
‘The worst conditions are expected between 12:00 today and 12:00 Monday,’ the agency said.
A total of 1 to 2 feet of snow is expected to fall on the Empire State, along with coastal waters, wind and an ‘acting’ cold front.
Government offices as well as schools across the country announced they would close on Monday. New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged businesses to allow staff to work from home due to safety concerns.
Meteorologists warn the storm will get worse tonight into Monday
There was heavy snow and ice on Sunday, but Monday will be much worse, according to the National Weather Service.
The agency said 1 to 2 feet of snow will continue to fall in parts of the Northeast, and “destructive ice” will prevail farther south.
The predicted ice storm could cause more power outages as more than a million Americans are already left in the dark.
Meanwhile, the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services said the worst is yet to come.
‘The worst conditions are expected between 12:00 today and 12:00 Monday,’ the agency said.
New York State police respond to nearly 250 crashes
New York State police reported they responded to approximately 250 crashes resulting from the storm.
Approximately 20 of the accidents resulted in injuries but no deaths.
Nashville area ‘looks like a war zone’
Sports reporter Clay Travis shared images of split trees on social media, saying the Nashville area ‘looks like a war zone.’
‘The situation could get worse as temperatures drop and winds increase,’ he warned.
Parts of Canada will see almost half a meter
Once the storm is over, parts of Canada will see nearly 2 feet of snow.
Environment Canada reported snow accumulation could exceed 60cm, especially in southern Toronto and Mississauga.
In the video, the man is seen shoveling his car in the middle of the road
In the video shared online, a man was seen shoveling his car out of the snow in the middle of the road in Indianapolis.
While sharing the images, reporter Max Lewis wrote, “Unfortunately, it snowed so much that it is very difficult to continue on the road when you stop.”
Aerial images show Oklahoma City covered in snow
Philadelphia left under snowfall
Philadelphia received its heaviest snowfall since 2016.
Photos show snow-covered Dulles International Airport in DC
Photos show conditions at Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., where 87 percent of outbound flights and 84 percent of inbound flights were canceled.
Aerial images show New York covered in snow
Mississippi crippled by ice
Mississippi has been paralyzed by an ice storm and the state Department of Transportation has warned the roads are ‘treacherous’.
“We cannot emphasize enough how important it is for everyone to STAY HOME and avoid hitting the roads unless it is an emergency,” the Department for Transport said on social media.
‘First responders of all stripes are currently tirelessly tackling challenging conditions for your benefit and they need your support. Give them this right by avoiding travel so they can work as safely as possible.’
More than eight inches recorded in New York
The National Weather Service announced that New York City’s Central Park recorded 8.8 inches of snow as of 5 p.m. EST.
Meanwhile, Bridgeport, Connecticut recorded 13 inches, Newark Airport in New Jersey recorded 9.8 inches and Long Island recorded 11.2 inches.
NBA postpones Mavericks-Bucks game
The NBA postponed the game between the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks due to bad weather conditions.
The league said today’s game, scheduled for the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, had to be postponed because the Mavericks were ‘unable to leave Dallas due to inclement weather conditions in the area.’
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