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| gusts =
| gusts =
| lowest-temperature =
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| maximum-rain = {{convert|7.10|in|cm|abbr=on}} near [[Avon, Alabama]]
| maximum-rain = {{convert|7.10|in|mm|abbr=on}} near [[Avon, Alabama]]
| maximum-snow = {{convert|14|in|cm|abbr=on}} in [[Plainview, Texas]]
| maximum-snow = {{convert|14|in|cm|abbr=on}} in [[Plainview, Texas]]
| pressure = 988}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| pressure = 988}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects

Revision as of 19:46, 13 February 2024

February 2024 nor'easter
Meteorological history
FormedFebruary 10, 2024
DissipatedCurrently active
Winter storm
Lowest pressure988 hPa (mbar); 29.18 inHg
Maximum rainfall7.10 in (180 mm) near Avon, Alabama
Maximum snowfall or ice accretion14 in (36 cm) in Plainview, Texas
Overall effects
DamageUnknown
Areas affectedSouthern United States, Ohio Valley, Northeastern United States
Part of the 2023–24 North American winter

The February 2024 nor'easter is a strengthening and disruptive nor'easter currently impacting the Northeastern United States. Developing from a combination of an upper-level low and an area of low-pressure in the Southwestern United States on February 10, the system first brought heavy snow to the Texas Panhandle the following day. It then moved northeastwards across the Ohio Valley, causing impacts before beginning to consolidate into a more defined low as it approached the East Coast.

Many cities in the Mid-Atlantic, particularly New York City, are expected to receive the heaviest snowfall accumulation in at least two years due to the nor'easter,[1] although the storm has so far been notable for being difficult to predict in the aforementioned regions in the hours leading up to the event. Flights have been cancelled or delayed across the Mid-Atlantic, and millions spanning from Pennsylvania to Massachussetts were placed under winter storm warnings. Separately, the system dumped at least 1 foot (12 in; 30 cm) in parts of Texas and Oklahoma causing severe impacts in the region as well.

Meteorological history

Weather Prediction Center (WPC) graphic showing the track of the low-pressure associated with the storm

The setup for a potential coastal storm in the Northeastern United States was evident as early as the afternoon of February 8.[2] Uncertainties as to how the system would develop, how much cold air would be available and how the upper-level features would evolve in the run up to the event. The primary factors expected in the development of the system involved an upper-level shortwave trough that would eject out of the Southwest, leading to coastal development.[2] By February 10, the aforementioned feature began developing in the Southwest, and due to limited cold air, heavy wet snow affected the northern parts of Texas and Oklahoma. A weak area of low pressure developed along the Gulf Coast and trekked northeastwards throughout February 11–12 across the Southeast as the system as a whole continued eastward.[3] At 09:00 UTC, the Weather Prediction Center deemed it necessary to begin issue storm summary bulletins for the winter storm.[4]

Later on February 12, a primary low-pressure area began to consolidate in the Tennessee Valley, strengthening as it moved eastwards and as precipitation began to slowly move into the Mid-Atlantic states.[5]

Preparations

Northeastern United States

Mid-Atlantic

Winter storm watches and warnings were issued for the impending nor'easter from as far west as central Pennsylvania to the coast of Massachusetts.[1]

Pennsylvania

Vehicle restrictions were poised to go into effect on February 13 in Pennsylvania as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) began actively pre-treating roadways ahead of the storm.[6]

New Jersey and New York

Schools across the state of New Jersey closed or moved classes to remote learning.[7] Despite not declaring a state of emergency, governor Phil Murphy strongly encouraged citizens to remain indoors and to not travel during the morning commute when the heaviest snowfall would be occurring, as well as encouraging to work from home, if possible.[8] Additionally, a commercial vehcile ban was set to go into effect at midnight and state offices were to open on a delayed schedule. Morris County residents were advised to think twice before traveling, and snowplows and equipment were loaded with salt to begin pre-treating major roadways such as Interstate 280 that evening.[9]

In southern New York, where New York City and the surrounding regions and boroughs were expected to receive at least 5–8 inches (13–20 cm) of snow – the heaviest expected for the city since a blizzard in January 2022, schools moved to online learning for February 13.[10] Westchester County declared a state of emergency late on February 12, in order to ensure the safety of its citizens.[11]

New England

Connecticut and Rhode Island

Connecticut closed some of its schools and business for February 13.[12] Governor Ned Lamont also announced that a tractor-trailer ban was going into effect at midnight.[13] In the town of Hartford, approximately 100 crews and thirty trucks were prepared to treat roadways with salt for the storm.[13]

Rhode Island governor Dan McKee also implemented a tractor-trailer ban beginning at midnight as well, while also stating the state goverment would be closed the following day.[14] The Department of Housing (DOH) said it would be setting up emergency shelters as well as warming centers across the state.[14]

Massachussetts

In Massachusetts, schools closed altogether for the following day, and Boston mayor Michelle Wu declared a snow emergency and advised residents to stay off the roads altogether.[15]

Impact

Southern United States

Parts of the states of Texas and Oklahoma received upwards of over 1 foot (12 in; 30 cm) of heavy wet snow in the storm's precursor stage.[16][17] Travel in the town of Plainview, Texas was reportedly "crippled" by 14 in (36 cm) of snow, which became the heaviest snow in the region. Portions of New Mexico received over 6 in (15 cm) of snow as well.[18]

Northeastern United States

Over 140,000 customers lost power in Pennsylvania with 13,000 outages in New Jersey.[19]

In New York City, snowfall totals reached 3.2 in (8.1 cm) at Central Park, 3.3 in (8.4 cm) at LaGuardia Airport, 4.2 in (11 cm) at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and 4.9 in (12 cm) at Newark Liberty International Airport.[20]

In Hartford, Connecticut, small parts of Interstate 91 closed due to a jackkniffed tractor trailor.[21]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Carballo, Rebecca; Jones, Judson (February 12, 2024). "Nor'easter Expected to Bring New York City's Heaviest Snow in Over 2 Years". The New York Times. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "WPC's Extended Forecast Discussion". February 12, 2024. Archived from the original on 2024-02-12.
  3. ^ Service, NOAA's National Weather. "WPC Surface Analysis Archive". www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov.
  4. ^ Asherman, Jacob (February 12, 2024). "Storm Summary Number 1 for Southern Plains to Northeast Winter Storm". Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  5. ^ Service, NOAA's National Weather. "WPC Surface Analysis Archive". www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov.
  6. ^ "Article". Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
  7. ^ NJ.com, Chris Sheldon | NJ Advance Media for; NJ.com, Nicolas Fernandes | NJ Advance Media for (February 12, 2024). "N.J. school closings, delayed openings due to heavy snow for Tuesday". nj.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ NJ.com, Len Melisurgo | NJ Advance Media for; NJ.com, Brent Johnson | NJ Advance Media for (February 12, 2024). "Strong winter storm could create 'very hazardous travel conditions' with heavy snow, strong winds". nj.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ "How North Jersey counties are prepping for what could be the season's biggest snowstorm". North Jersey Media Group.
  10. ^ "NYC, Boston Weather Prompts School Closures | Weather.com". The Weather Channel.
  11. ^ "Biggest snowstorm in two years possible for New York as Northeast braces for snow". NBC News. February 12, 2024.
  12. ^ Blonstein, Cailyn; staff • •, NBC Connecticut (February 12, 2024). "Up to a foot of snow is possible Tuesday; dozens of schools announce closures".
  13. ^ a b Jones, Marcy; Polansky, Rob; Galal, Ayah (February 12, 2024). "Fueled up, replenished, and restocked: CT braces for Winter Storm Birch". WFSB.
  14. ^ a b NEWS, NBC 10 (February 12, 2024). "Rhode Island implements tractor-trailer travel ban during snowstorm". WJAR.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ Kazakiewich, Todd (February 12, 2024). "Nor'easter incoming: Boston closes schools, declares snow emergency". WCVB.
  16. ^ Wulfeck, Andrew (February 10, 2024). "Winter storm dumps heavy snow on Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, New Mexico after over a foot piles up in Colorado". FOX Weather.
  17. ^ Voges, Corbin (February 11, 2024). "Heavy snow buries south Texas panhandle". KVII.
  18. ^ Voges, Corbin (February 11, 2024). "Heavy snow buries south Texas panhandle". ABC 7 Amarillo. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  19. ^ https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2024-02-12-new-york-boston-schools-closed-snow-noreaster
  20. ^ "Winter storm live updates: Heavy snow hits the Northeast, bringing travel hazards and nearly 1,500 flight cancellations". NBC News. February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  21. ^ Knox, Matthew (February 13, 2024). "Jackknifed tractor-trailer closes I-91 in Hartford". CTInsider. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
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