Heavy snowstorm expected on the East Coast, calls for a state of emergency implemented. Image: KGET.com
(The Post News)- New Jersey lawmakers declared a state of emergency due to a predicted heavy snowstorm. The East Coast can expect up to eight inches of snow. The heavy snow will place millions of people under weather warnings.
Phil Murphy, the state’s governor made the announcement Saturday. On Sunday morning, residents expected an Arctic Blast. The Blast would leave one inch of snow per hour over the Garden State. Murphy urged New Jersey residents to avoid car travel unless it is necessary. The state of emergency commenced on Sunday at 8 am.
Murphy says they are expecting the storm to yield heavy snow, followed by very low temperatures on Monday and continuing through Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of a record cold air mass hitting the Lower 48 from Sunday to January 24. By mid-week, temperatures in New Jersey can drop to -12°C. New York and the Northeast will face temperatures as low as -15°C.
Furthermore, meteorologists predict that temperatures could drop up to 45 degrees below average. It will sweep across 20 states, covering the Plains, Great Lakes, and Northeast regions. Sub-zero temperatures are yet to cause pipe bursts, power outages, and hazardous road conditions across the U.S.
All states in the Lower 48, and more than 80% of its residents, will encounter below-freezing temperatures. In the coming days, the extremely cold Siberian air is expected to reach as far as the Gulf Coast of the country.
The first of the three storms is expected to bring snow and rain to parts of the Midwest and Northeast on Saturday. Indianapolis, Detroit, and Cleveland may suffer the same fate. The same mix of snow and rain will then move into the interior Northeast before another storm appears to set form in the Appalachians. The second will move over into southern New York and southern New England on Sunday afternoon.
According to meteorologist Mary Gilbert, the polar vortex brings frigid air, prompting an indoor inauguration for President-elect Trump and concerns over forecasting a potential third storm.
FOX reported that more than 300 million Americans will encounter below-average temperatures by Monday. According to meteorologists, arctic blasts are to continue through January, with no relief from the cold temperatures in sight.
About the Author
