Key Takeaways
- A massive winter storm has dumped over a foot of snow in some parts of the country, with millions of Americans waking up to a white wonderland on Monday, January 26.
- The National Weather Service has reported moderate to heavy snowfall across the Northeast, with bitter cold and icy conditions expected to linger over the coming days.
- The storm has resulted in extended power outages and travel delays, with forecasters warning of potentially hazardous conditions.
- Snowfall totals have varied across the country, with New York, Boston, Ohio, and Washington D.C. all receiving significant amounts of snow.
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The weekend’s major winter storm has passed in some parts of the country, but other areas are bracing for more rounds of snow. As of Monday morning, the National Weather Service reported that moderate to heavy snow will continue to fall across the Northeast, from Upstate New York to southern Maine. The agency also noted that snow has ended in other parts of the country, except for some mixed precipitation across the Carolinas and Georgia. The storm has left a trail of snow and ice in its wake, with millions of Americans waking up to a winter wonderland on Monday, January 26.
Measuring Snowfall
The National Weather Service relies on volunteers to help measure total snowfall amounts during winter storms around the country. To make your own measuring tool, known as a snow measurement board, you can use a piece of plywood around 24 by 24 inches, making sure it is around 3/8 to half an inch thick to reduce the chance of blowing away. The snow measuring board should be placed on the ground ahead of the snowfall, and measurements can be taken by pushing a yardstick into the snow until it hits the board. Alternatively, those without a snow measuring board can track totals on a surface like a picnic table or wooden deck, as long as it is not near a roof where snow blowing off could accumulate.
Snowfall Totals
The snowfall totals have varied across the country, with some areas receiving over a foot of snow. In New York, for example, 11.4 inches of snow had fallen in Central Park as of midnight on Monday, January 26. Westchester County, New York, saw between 10 to 17 inches of snowfall, while Long Island received up to 13 inches in Suffolk County and 15 inches in Nassau County. In western New York, snow reached well over a foot and up to 17 inches in some areas. Boston also received significant snowfall, with 15 inches measured as of 10 p.m. local time on January 25. Other areas, such as Ohio and Washington D.C., also received notable amounts of snow, with Cincinnati setting a snowfall record on Sunday.
Regional Snowfall Reports
A closer look at the snowfall totals in different regions reveals the extent of the storm’s impact. In Boston, for example, upwards of 16 inches fell in Plymouth County and up to a foot on Cape Cod. In central Massachusetts, Worcester got more than 17 inches of snow as of midnight on January 26. In Ohio, outside Columbus, 12 inches of snow was recorded in Hilliard as of 9 p.m. local time on January 25. The northern part of the state saw around 5 inches of snow in Shaker Heights, while Cincinnati set a snowfall record with 9.2 inches recorded on Sunday. In Washington D.C., about 9 inches of snow was recorded by 7 p.m. on January 25, with the surrounding areas of Alexandria, Virginia, and Silver Spring, Maryland, receiving around 7 inches and 6.5 inches, respectively.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The winter storm has left a significant impact on the country, with millions of Americans affected by the snow and ice. As the storm begins to clear, forecasters are warning of potentially hazardous conditions, including bitter cold and icy roads. The National Weather Service is continuing to monitor the situation, providing updates on the latest snowfall totals and weather conditions. As the country begins to dig out from under the snow, it is essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe. By checking the latest snowfall totals and weather forecasts, individuals can plan accordingly and take steps to mitigate the impact of the storm.
