A winter storm is sweeping across the Northeast, prompting winter alerts and leading to significant power outages. Warnings and watches are still in effect for the Green Mountains of Vermont. It holds true in the Berkshires in Massachusetts and the nearby Catskill Mountains in New York. As of 4:00 p.m. ET, over 4,700 utility customers across the region experienced power disruptions.
As of Friday morning, 2,239 of their customers in New Jersey alone were without power, and New York reported 1,038 outages. The severe winter weather has played a role in these outages, as many regions prepare for several more feet of snowfall. Forecasts predict that parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine may receive an extra 1 to 3 inches of snow.
These winter alerts will be in effect from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET today, making travel and outdoor activities dangerous. Residents should take extra precautions as conditions become hazardous with blowing snow and high winds producing near white-out conditions.
Another wave of rain and higher-elevation snow is tracking into New England this Sunday. Maine is expected to be hit hardest by this storm. The reality is that this second system would surely worsen current conditions, causing even greater danger and disruption.
In contrast to the winter weather in the Northeast, fire alerts are in effect in various parts of the country, including Denver and Colorado Springs in Colorado, Tucson in Arizona, and Miami in Florida. These alerts are a good reminder of the switcharoo weather we have going on across the country right now.
The National Weather Service will be watching this closely and issuing warnings as necessary as the storm progresses. Emergency services are prepared to respond to any incidents related to power outages or hazardous weather conditions across affected areas.