Key Takeaways
- Over 1,500 flights were canceled or delayed across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions due to snow
- New York City received about 4 inches of snow, with some areas receiving up to 10 inches
- The storm caused hazardous travel conditions, with the potential for tree damage and power outages
- California experienced a dry weekend after powerful storms caused heavy rains, flash flooding, and mudslides, resulting in at least four deaths
- The National Weather Service warned of dangerous road conditions and urged travelers to avoid travel during the storm
Introduction to the Storm
The busy travel period between Christmas and New Year’s was disrupted by a snowstorm that affected the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. The storm caused over 1,500 flights to be canceled or delayed, with New York City receiving about 4 inches of snow. The National Weather Service warned of hazardous travel conditions, with the potential for tree damage and power outages. Despite the challenges, travelers were excited to see the snow, with some even considering it a Christmas surprise.
The Storm’s Impact on Travel
The storm had a significant impact on travel, with thousands of people taking to the roads and airports. Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International, and LaGuardia airports posted snow warnings on social media, cautioning that weather conditions could cause flight disruptions. The National Weather Service warned of hazardous travel conditions from the Great Lakes through the northern mid-Atlantic and southern New England. Despite the challenges, workers in New York City were able to clear the streets and sidewalks, using shovels and snowblowers to remove the snow and sludge.
The Storm’s Progress
According to Bob Oravec, a Maryland-based forecaster at the National Weather Service, the storm was moving from the northwest toward the Southeast, with the largest snowfall in the New York City area reaching over 6 inches in central eastern Long Island. Farther north in the Catskills, communities saw as much as 10 inches of snow. The storm was expected to wind down, with only a little bit of flurries across the Northeast. The National Weather Service warned of the potential for tree damage and power outages, urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm.
The Situation in California
On the other side of the country, California was experiencing a dry weekend after powerful storms battered the state with heavy rains, flash flooding, and mudslides. At least four people were killed, including a man who was found dead in a partially submerged car near Lancaster. Some mountainous areas received 10 to 18 inches of rain over three days, peaking on Christmas Eve. There was significant damage to homes and cars in Wrightwood, a 5,000-resident mountain town about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, as floods and mudslides turned roads into rivers and buried vehicles in rock and debris.
The Aftermath
As the storm subsided, travelers were able to continue their journeys, albeit with some delays and disruptions. The National Weather Service warned of the potential for Santa Ana winds with gusts of over 60 mph in mountainous areas from Sunday night through Tuesday, which could uproot saturated trees and cause power outages. Despite the challenges, travelers were grateful for the snow, with some even considering it a Christmas surprise. The storm served as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for hazardous weather conditions, especially during the busy travel period between Christmas and New Year’s.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the snowstorm that affected the Northeast and Great Lakes regions had a significant impact on travel, causing over 1,500 flights to be canceled or delayed. The storm also caused hazardous travel conditions, with the potential for tree damage and power outages. California experienced a dry weekend after powerful storms caused heavy rains, flash flooding, and mudslides, resulting in at least four deaths. The National Weather Service warned of the potential for further disruptions, urging travelers to be prepared for hazardous weather conditions. Despite the challenges, travelers were excited to see the snow, with some even considering it a Christmas surprise.
