In the latest news, a winter storm has led to the closure of schools across the region. Additionally, a photo shows horses finding a dry area amidst flooded surroundings in West Virginia.
(12:35 p.m. ET) Active Winter Storm Systems
After a brief lull in storm activity, the arrival of Winter Storm Freya marks the beginning of a series of winter storms expected to sweep across the nation over the next two weeks. Meteorologist Robb Ellis explains this pattern in a video, where February is predicted to experience a snowy and icy phase.
(12:20 p.m. ET) Ice Threats Shift
Areas in northeast Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, and western New England still face lingering sleet and freezing rain. Meanwhile, regions in the Appalachians with high ice accumulation are experiencing patchy drizzle, but improving road conditions as temperatures rise above freezing.
(11:53 a.m. ET) Commercial Vehicle Restrictions in New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Transportation continues to enforce travel restrictions for commercial vehicles on various highways and routes due to the ongoing winter storm conditions.
(11:29 a.m. ET) Icy Conditions in Maryland
The National Weather Service’s Baltimore/Washington office shared images of icy scenes from Garrett County, Maryland, where spotters have reported ice accumulation and instances of fallen trees.
(11:16 a.m. ET) Speed Limits on I-90 in Massachusetts
Drivers are urged to maintain speeds below 40 mph on I-90 in Massachusetts due to worsening weather conditions. The state Department of Transportation has issued a winter weather advisory alerting travelers to expect commuting disruptions.
(10:58 a.m. ET) Reasons Behind Winter Storm Names
Winter storms are named when they are anticipated to have significant impacts in specific regions, including ice and snow accumulation. The naming system aims to enhance safety awareness and preparedness for potential hazards.
(10:44 a.m. ET) Ice-Covered Suburbs in Washington
Social media posts reveal images of ice-covered trees, power lines, and mailboxes in Hyattsville and Burtonsville, Maryland.
(10:28 a.m. ET) Analysis of Winter Storm Freya
Senior Meteorologist Jon Erdman discusses the characteristics of Winter Storm Freya, highlighting its mix of snow and ice. He clarifies the distinction between a typical ice storm and the recent weather conditions.
Slight precipitation, such as drizzle and freezing rain, can create slippery conditions on untreated roads. However, the severity of an ice storm is determined by the extent of tree damage due to the weight of accumulated ice and the resulting power outages. Fortunately, Winter Storm Freya seems to be a milder ice storm, with fewer than 100,000 customers experiencing power outages and minimal reports of tree damage as of Thursday morning.
In Pennsylvania, road restrictions remain in place with reduced speed limits on various highways, including Interstate 81, Interstate 84, and Interstate 380. Commercial vehicles are restricted to the right lane. Updates can be found on the state Department of Transportation’s website.
The storm, named Freya, is moving quickly according to weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Erdman. Temperatures are rising above freezing in areas that received light to moderate ice accumulations, such as parts of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Reports of possible tornado damage in Kentucky have emerged, with a home in Rockcastle County suffering roof damage from a suspected tornado.
Snow and ice are causing flight delays at LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in New York. Numerous cancellations and delays have been reported at LaGuardia, with fewer disruptions at Newark. Delays may also occur later at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Massachusetts is expecting 2 to 4 inches of snowfall, with higher amounts in certain regions. Hazardous road conditions are anticipated, particularly during morning and evening commutes.
Power outages are increasing in several states due to freezing rain and sleet, with Virginia experiencing around 60,000 outages. West Virginia, Washington, and Ohio are also reporting rising outages under winter weather alerts.
Flash flood emergency warnings have been issued in West Virginia, particularly in the Charleston and Huntington areas, due to heavy rainfall from Winter Storm Freya. The warnings are in effect until 9:15 a.m.
Erdman mentioned that heavy rainfall in valleys can happen quickly. This rainfall marks a significant change for West Virginia as parts of the state were under “exceptional drought” last fall, the first time this level of drought was observed this century.
As of 7 a.m., snow and sleet measurements at major observing sites are as follows:
– Central Park, NY: 0.5 inches
– Newark, NJ: 0.5 inches
– NWS New York: 0.5 inches
– LaGuardia, NY: 0.3 inches
– Islip, NY: 0.3 inches
– Kennedy, NY: 0.2 inches
A tornado watch is in effect for south-central and eastern Kentucky until 11 a.m. ET after multiple tornado warnings and watches expired. Reports on social media mention possible tornado sightings near Mundfordville.
After Winter Storm Freya passes, Winter Storm Garnett is expected to bring more snow to the Midwest and the East Coast over the weekend. Up to 4 inches of snow could fall in parts of the Midwest, with up to 5 inches in New York and up to 6 inches in Boston.
More than 100 flights were canceled at Philadelphia International Airport by 7 a.m. due to icy conditions. Dozens of delays and cancellations were also reported at Reagan National Airport.
Schools along the path of Winter Storm Freya are closed or have delayed openings. Hundreds of schools in the Detroit metro area are closed, and several school districts in New Jersey are affected. Schools in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are also experiencing closures or delays.
Residents in Mercer County, Kentucky, reported large hail falling around 1 a.m. local time. Winter weather advisories are in effect for much of the Tri-State area until 1 p.m., with ice storm warnings issued for the central Appalachians.
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