RSOE Emergency and Disaster Information Service

2010-03-12 12:19:12 - Snow Storm - USA

EDIS CODE: SS-20100312-25295-USA
Date & Time: 2010-03-12 12:19:12 [UTC]
Area: USA, State of New York, , New York City

Damage level: Moderate (Level 2)

Not confirmed information!

Description:

New York ground to a virtual halt on Friday after a ferocious winter storm brought nearly 60cm of snow into the city and the surrounding region. Commuters battled to make it into the city as train and bus services struggled slowly through the weather and motorists were warned against driving on dangerously icy roads. The United States National Weather Service said more than 50cm (20in) of snow had fallen so far, and that the storm was set to become the third heaviest on record. The storm is the latest in a series to hit America's north east, and it took New York City's total snowfall for February to more than 91cm (36in). In eastern Long Island, residents were warned to stay indoors as winds of up to 60mph blew through the area, while Philadelphia declared its fourth snow emergency of the winter. Among the storm's casualties was a 46-year-old man who died when a snow-laden tree branch fell on him in Manhattan's Central Park. The roof of a home in suburban New Jersey collapsed under the heavy snow. The slow-moving storm began on Thursday and was predicted to last through Saturday, with several more inches of snow forecast for New York City. It is the third heavy storm to hit the region in a month. According to Reuters, more than 1 million homes and businesses across the regions suffered blackouts on Thursday, and about 700,000 remained without power on Friday. Many businesses and schools shut for the day while hundreds of flights in and out of New York, Newark and Philadelphia were either delayed or cancelled.

Posted:2010-03-12 12:19:12 [UTC]