Third North American blizzard of 2010
Encyclopedia
The February 25–27, 2010 North American blizzard was a winter storm and severe weather event that occurred in the Mid-Atlantic
and New England
regions of the United States
between February 24–26, 2010. This was the fourth major snowstorm of the season for some of these areas, and the third storm in February (See February 5–6, 2010 North American blizzard, February 9–10, 2010 North American blizzard). The storm dropped its heaviest snow of 12 to 24 in (30.5 to 61 cm) (locally as much as 36 inches (91.4 cm)) across a wide area of interior New England
, New York
, and Pennsylvania
. The storm also brought flooding rains to coastal sections of New England, with some areas experiencing as much as 4 inches (10.2 cm). Aside from precipitation, the Nor'easter
brought hurricane-force sustained winds to coastal New England.
This storm was a complex combination of multiple systems, including an upper air low from the northern Great Plains
states, and a surface low from the Gulf Coast states. As the surface low tracked northeast from the coast of North Carolina
, the upper air low transferred its energy to it, eventually enabling the new storm to undergo rapid intensification near the shore of eastern Long Island
. A strong blocking regime of high pressure over the Canadian Maritime provinces prevented the storm system from exiting to the east. This resulted in a cutoff low (not influenced by the predominant jet stream
currents), which took a highly unusual track, retrograding west into New York
state before looping back out to sea.
received heavy rainfall from this storm as well as high winds. Rainfall totals above 2 inches (5.1 cm) were widespread over the state. Colder air worked into the state overnight on February 25, changing the rain to snow statewide by the morning of February 26. Schools were closed and train service was reduced on the Metro-North New Haven Line. Snowfall amounts varied from less than an inch in eastern parts of the state to as much as 19 inches (48 cm) in western portions of Fairfield
and Litchfield
counties.
received 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 ), and lesser amounts were recorded in Kent
and Sussex
counties.
. An unofficial gust of 94 mph (42 m/s) was recorded in Cape Elizabeth.
from the storm was mostly limited to Garrett County
and western Allegany County
, where blizzard conditions and deep drifting snow made travel very difficult or impossible on Interstate 68
and U.S. Route 40
in the mountainous western panhandle of the state on February 26. However, strong winds led to scattered power outages in and around Baltimore
. As many as 12,500 customers were without power early on Friday, February 26. A peak wind gust of 53 mph (23.7 m/s) was reported at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and sustained winds of 30 mile per hour were widespread in the area, which led to the National Weather Service
issuing a High Wind Warning for the area.
reported 85,000 customers in Essex
and Middlesex
counties were without power the morning of February 26.
MBTA Green Line service on the Riverside Branch was suspended due to fallen branches on the evening of February 25 until the morning of the 26th. A commuter rail locomotive leaving Rowley
on the Newburyport/Rockport Line
was struck by a large falling tree, resulting in a shutdown of service late in the evening on February 25, with service delays reported the following day.
Flooding was also an issue in the area. About a dozen homes and businesses in Freetown
were vacated voluntarily amidst concern that Forge Pond Dam on the Assonet River
might burst due to high levels of water from heavy rain.
. High winds from this storm fueled a five-alarm fire that destroyed five homes in Hampton Beach
. The winds hindered firefighters' efforts to bring the fire under control. No casualties were reported. Peak wind gusts of 91 mph (40.7 m/s) in Portsmouth
(official) and 94 mph (42 m/s) in Seabrook (unofficial) were recorded. A gust of 123 mph (55 m/s) was recorded at Mount Washington
.
reporting more than 24 inches (61 cm). Bergen
, Passaic
, Hudson
, and Union
counties, where many of New York City
's western suburbs are located, reported snowfall totals of 12 to 20 in (30.5 to 50.8 cm).
Middlesex
, Mercer
, and Monmouth
counties reported as much as 12 – of snow during the blizzard.
Blowing snow caused by strong winds created snow drifts; blockades for some drivers. Blizzard Warning
s and Winter Storm Warning
s were posted throughout the state of New Jersey. Ice and snow mixed to cause major roads to transform into hazards for all drivers. Luckily for the southern areas of the state, most counties in the southern part got 2 to 6 in (5.1 to 15.2 cm) during the storm but snow from the past storms didn't make it any better. Delays in Camden and Newark Airports were possibly 2 hours or more. Visibilities were reduced to below 1 miles (1.6 km) in most areas. Also, houses took major damage.
region as early as late Wednesday and was the most active area of the storm. The National Weather Service
predicted that much of the accumulations would occur in the southeastern portion of the state, with hard hit areas getting as much as 24 inches (61 cm) of snow. The storm left more than 150,000 homes and businesses in the state without power. In the Hudson Valley
, almost 150,000 Central Hudson Gas & Electric customers lost power during the storm, the most in the utility's history.
The New York State Police
reported two fatalities resulting from the weather. Heavy snow forced New York State troopers to close 40 miles (64 km) of Interstate 84
from Newburgh
to the Connecticut
state line, as well as sections of the Taconic Parkway. New York State transportation officials required vehicles to be equipped with snow chains
or 4-wheel drive to travel on passable roadways within the storm's impact area; vehicles lacking chains or 4-wheel drive were stopped or turned back at inspection checkpoints.
In New York City
, 20.9 inches (53.1 cm) fell in Central Park
, mixed with slushy accumulation due to above-freezing temperatures during the day. Falling tree branches due to the heavy wet snow and strong winds resulted in one casualty in Central Park and created dangerous conditions on the streets. The New York City Sanitation Department deployed 1600 snow plow and 365 salt spraying trucks to keep traffic flowing smoothly on the highways and city streets of the five boroughs.
Several private schools and institutions cancelled classes on Friday, February 26, due to the storm. City mayor Michael Bloomberg
originally decided to keep the public schools
running on Friday, but acquiesced later when the weather condition worsened overnight.
New York City area's three major airports canceled more than 1,000 flights. About 3,000 usually leave the airports daily. New Jersey Transit
canceled buses into New York City. Rail service in New Jersey and Long Island
was suspended or delayed.
On February 27, ice from an upper floor of the Sony Building
crashed through the building's atrium glass ceiling, injuring at least 15 people attending a Purim
party.
officials initially requested through local media that drivers stay off the roads during the storm that was expected to hit Pennsylvania
on 25–26 February. Officials said interstates
and other high-traffic highways would be treated first. Secondary state routes were noted as a lower priority during the severe storms that impacted the state in 2009-10. PennDOT officials noted that they had more than 480,000 tons of salt in stock, and that so far, $159 million of the $180 million winter budget had already been spent. If that budget were exhausted, PennDOT would tap funds normally reserved for spring maintenance.
In the early morning of February 25, several communities in Berks
, Lancaster
and Lebanon
counties issued snow emergencies. The lower Susquehanna Valley in South Central Pennsylvania
was expecting to see between 2 to 6 in (5.1 to 15.2 cm) with isolated amounts around 8 inches (20.3 cm). Sustained winds at 20 mile per hour and as high as 50 mph (22.4 m/s) were expected into the early evening.
At 1:00 p.m. EST on February 25, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
implemented a 45 mph (20.1 m/s) speed limit for the entire length of the Northeast Extension
of the Pennsylvania Turnpike
, a distance of 111 miles (178.6 km).
At 6:00 p.m. EST on February 25, the Turnpike Commission banned tractor-trailers, other trailers and box trucks which are Class 5, which is 30001 lbs, as well as all trucks heavier than Class 5, using the Turnpike's weight classification system for toll calculations, from the Northeast Extension
.
On both February 25 and 26, the Philadelphia School District and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia canceled classes for all public and archdiocesan schools in the city of Philadelphia, as well as all archdiocesan schools in the nearby suburbs. Most suburban schools also were closed on both days. Due to the shifting track of the storm, the city of Philadelphia did not receive as much snow as had been predicted, with totals only approaching 4 to 6 in (10.2 to 15.2 cm). However, suburbs to the north and east of the city, the Lehigh Valley
, and The Poconos
did receive snow in excess of 12 inches (30.5 cm).
Whiteout
conditions and multiple crashes in the early morning of February 26 forced an indefinite closure of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in both directions between Carlisle
and Breezewood
.
At 6:00 p.m. on February 26, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission implemented a 45 mph (20.1 m/s) speed limit between the Ohio
state line and the Breezewood exit, a distance of 161 miles (259.1 km).
On Friday, PPL
reported several hundred people without power, most of them in Schuylkill County
. Met-Ed
reported power outages in Adams
, Lebanon
and Berks
counties.
In Pittsburgh, total snowfall accumulations varied between 6 to 12 in (15.2 to 30.5 cm). Overall, areas to the southwest of the city received lesser accumulations while mountainous areas to the east received substantially higher accumulations. The storm created major traffic-related issues on the city's major transportation arteries, including Interstates 79
, 279
, and 376
.
parking lot to collapse, leading to a washout of the ground underneath.
to close a portion of Interstate 68
. A Blizzard Warning
was posted as far south as Bluefield, West Virginia
.
, with over 100,000 residents suffering power outages on February 26. Snowfall amounts of over 20 cm (7.9 in) were recorded in parts of southern Ontario
, especially in the Niagara region. Strong winds gusting up to 120 km/h (74.6 mph) and heavy rain and snow were reported on the 26th in Nova Scotia
and New Brunswick
. Snowsquall
s combined with bands of westward-progressing snow over Ontario to produce heavy snow as well as periods of freezing rain
in some locations.
forecast called for winds gusting to 70 mph (31.3 m/s) in some locations and predicted that coastal flooding and power outages would occur. They used words such as "hurricane-like conditions" and "snowicane" to describe the upcoming event. The National Weather Service
forecast called for less severe conditions. National Weather Service meteorologist Craig Evanego said the use of these terms was not responsible, could lead to panic and noted that "snowicane" was not in the glossary of meteorology
. The Weather Channel
called the use of the term "bad meteorology". Accuweather defended the use of the terms, saying their forecasts are geared toward the general public and these terms were used to make the event more understandable to them. It was also noted that the barometric pressure would be equivalent to that of a Category 2 hurricane.
Mid-Atlantic States
The Mid-Atlantic states, also called middle Atlantic states or simply the mid Atlantic, form a region of the United States generally located between New England and the South...
and New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
regions of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
between February 24–26, 2010. This was the fourth major snowstorm of the season for some of these areas, and the third storm in February (See February 5–6, 2010 North American blizzard, February 9–10, 2010 North American blizzard). The storm dropped its heaviest snow of 12 to 24 in (30.5 to 61 cm) (locally as much as 36 inches (91.4 cm)) across a wide area of interior New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, and Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. The storm also brought flooding rains to coastal sections of New England, with some areas experiencing as much as 4 inches (10.2 cm). Aside from precipitation, the Nor'easter
Nor'easter
A nor'easter is a type of macro-scale storm along the East Coast of the United States and Atlantic Canada, so named because the storm travels to the northeast from the south and the winds come from the northeast, especially in the coastal areas of the Northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada...
brought hurricane-force sustained winds to coastal New England.
This storm was a complex combination of multiple systems, including an upper air low from the northern Great Plains
Great Plains
The Great Plains are a broad expanse of flat land, much of it covered in prairie, steppe and grassland, which lies west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Canada. This area covers parts of the U.S...
states, and a surface low from the Gulf Coast states. As the surface low tracked northeast from the coast of North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, the upper air low transferred its energy to it, eventually enabling the new storm to undergo rapid intensification near the shore of eastern Long Island
Long Island
Long Island is an island located in the southeast part of the U.S. state of New York, just east of Manhattan. Stretching northeast into the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island contains four counties, two of which are boroughs of New York City , and two of which are mainly suburban...
. A strong blocking regime of high pressure over the Canadian Maritime provinces prevented the storm system from exiting to the east. This resulted in a cutoff low (not influenced by the predominant jet stream
Jet stream
Jet streams are fast flowing, narrow air currents found in the atmospheres of some planets, including Earth. The main jet streams are located near the tropopause, the transition between the troposphere and the stratosphere . The major jet streams on Earth are westerly winds...
currents), which took a highly unusual track, retrograding west into New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
state before looping back out to sea.
Connecticut
Many parts of ConnecticutConnecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
received heavy rainfall from this storm as well as high winds. Rainfall totals above 2 inches (5.1 cm) were widespread over the state. Colder air worked into the state overnight on February 25, changing the rain to snow statewide by the morning of February 26. Schools were closed and train service was reduced on the Metro-North New Haven Line. Snowfall amounts varied from less than an inch in eastern parts of the state to as much as 19 inches (48 cm) in western portions of Fairfield
Fairfield County, Connecticut
Fairfield County is a county located in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The county population is 916,829 according to the 2010 Census. There are currently 1,465 people per square mile in the county. It is the most populous county in the State of Connecticut and contains...
and Litchfield
Litchfield County, Connecticut
Litchfield County is a county located in the northwestern corner of the U.S. state of Connecticut. Litchfield County has the lowest population density of any county in Connecticut but is geographically the state's largest county. As of 2010 the population was 189,927...
counties.
Delaware
Northern DelawareDelaware
Delaware is a U.S. state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, and to the north by Pennsylvania...
received 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 ), and lesser amounts were recorded in Kent
Kent County, Delaware
Kent County is a county located in the central part of the U.S. state of Delaware. It is coextensive with the Dover, Delaware, Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010 the population was 162,310, a 28.1% increase over the previous decade. The county seat is Dover, the state capital...
and Sussex
Sussex County, Delaware
Sussex County is a county located in the southern part of the U.S. state of Delaware. As of 2010 the population was 197,145, an increase of 25.9% over the previous decade. The county seat is Georgetown. The Seaford Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Sussex County.Sussex County is...
counties.
Maine
High winds combined with heavy snow were helping bring down power lines early Friday, leaving nearly 100,000 residents out of power in MaineMaine
Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
. An unofficial gust of 94 mph (42 m/s) was recorded in Cape Elizabeth.
Maryland
Snowfall in MarylandMaryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
from the storm was mostly limited to Garrett County
Garrett County, Maryland
Garrett County is the westernmost county of the U.S. state of Maryland. Created from Allegany County, Maryland in 1872 it was the last Maryland county to be formed. It was named for John Work Garrett , railroad executive, industrialist, and financier. Garrett served as president of the Baltimore...
and western Allegany County
Allegany County, Maryland
Allegany County is a county located in the northwestern part of the US state of Maryland. It is part of the Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010, the population was 75,087. Its county seat is Cumberland...
, where blizzard conditions and deep drifting snow made travel very difficult or impossible on Interstate 68
Interstate 68
Interstate 68 is a Interstate highway in the U.S. states of West Virginia and Maryland, connecting in Morgantown to in Hancock. is also Corridor E of the Appalachian Development Highway System. From 1965 until the freeway's construction was completed in 1991, it was designated as...
and U.S. Route 40
U.S. Route 40
U.S. Route 40 is an east–west United States highway. As with most routes whose numbers end in a zero, U.S. 40 once traversed the entire United States. It is one of the original 1920s U.S. Highways, and its first termini were San Francisco, California, and Atlantic City, New Jersey...
in the mountainous western panhandle of the state on February 26. However, strong winds led to scattered power outages in and around Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
. As many as 12,500 customers were without power early on Friday, February 26. A peak wind gust of 53 mph (23.7 m/s) was reported at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and sustained winds of 30 mile per hour were widespread in the area, which led to the National Weather Service
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service , once known as the Weather Bureau, is one of the six scientific agencies that make up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States government...
issuing a High Wind Warning for the area.
Massachusetts
Unofficial wind measurements at Plum Island exceeded 90mph. Sustained winds in excess of tropical storm force (39 mph (17.4 m/s)) and heavy rain caused large tree branches in the region to break. This led to power outages, and delays on area transport networks. A spokesman for the Massachusetts Emergency Management AgencyMassachusetts Emergency Management Agency
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is a Commonwealth of Massachusetts agency. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is the Agency that coordinates Federal, State, local and private resources throughout the Commonwealth during times of disasters and emergencies.It is...
reported 85,000 customers in Essex
Essex County, Massachusetts
-National protected areas:* Parker River National Wildlife Refuge* Salem Maritime National Historic Site* Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site* Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuge-Demographics:...
and Middlesex
Middlesex County, Massachusetts
-National protected areas:* Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge* Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge* Longfellow National Historic Site* Lowell National Historical Park* Minute Man National Historical Park* Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge...
counties were without power the morning of February 26.
MBTA Green Line service on the Riverside Branch was suspended due to fallen branches on the evening of February 25 until the morning of the 26th. A commuter rail locomotive leaving Rowley
Rowley, Massachusetts
Rowley is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 5,500 at the 2000 census.Part of the town comprises the census-designated place of Rowley.-History:...
on the Newburyport/Rockport Line
Newburyport/Rockport Line
The Newburyport/Rockport Line is a branch of the MBTA Commuter Rail system, running northeast from downtown Boston, Massachusetts towards Cape Ann and the Merrimack Valley, serving the North Shore. The first leg serves Chelsea, Lynn, Swampscott, Salem, and Beverly. From there, a northern branch of...
was struck by a large falling tree, resulting in a shutdown of service late in the evening on February 25, with service delays reported the following day.
Flooding was also an issue in the area. About a dozen homes and businesses in Freetown
Freetown, Massachusetts
Freetown is a town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 8,870 at the 2010 census.Freetown is one of the oldest communities in the United States, having been settled by the Pilgrims and their descendants in the latter half of the 17th century. The town once included...
were vacated voluntarily amidst concern that Forge Pond Dam on the Assonet River
Assonet River
The Assonet River is located in Bristol County, Massachusetts. It flows in a westerly direction through Freetown and joins the Taunton River near Assonet Neck in Berkley, Massachusetts. -Description:...
might burst due to high levels of water from heavy rain.
New Hampshire
More than 230,000 homes and business lost power due to the storm in New HampshireNew Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
. High winds from this storm fueled a five-alarm fire that destroyed five homes in Hampton Beach
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
Hampton Beach is a village district, census-designated place, and beach resort within the town of Hampton, in the U.S. state of New Hampshire, located on the Atlantic Ocean. Its population at the 2010 census was 2,275. Hampton Beach is located in Rockingham County, approximately south of Portsmouth...
. The winds hindered firefighters' efforts to bring the fire under control. No casualties were reported. Peak wind gusts of 91 mph (40.7 m/s) in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a city in Rockingham County, New Hampshire in the United States. It is the largest city but only the fourth-largest community in the county, with a population of 21,233 at the 2010 census...
(official) and 94 mph (42 m/s) in Seabrook (unofficial) were recorded. A gust of 123 mph (55 m/s) was recorded at Mount Washington
Mount Washington (New Hampshire)
Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at , famous for dangerously erratic weather. For 76 years, a weather observatory on the summit held the record for the highest wind gust directly measured at the Earth's surface, , on the afternoon of April 12, 1934...
.
New Jersey
Various power utilities reported outages in the state that affected about 14,000 customers. The heaviest snows fell in the northern and western parts of the state, with locations in Sussex CountySussex County, New Jersey
The County of Sussex is the northernmost county in the State of New Jersey. It is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 Federal decennial census, 149,265 persons resided in Sussex County...
reporting more than 24 inches (61 cm). Bergen
Bergen County, New Jersey
Bergen County is the most populous county of the state of New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 905,116. The county is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Hackensack...
, Passaic
Passaic County, New Jersey
Passaic County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 501,226. Its county seat is Paterson...
, Hudson
Hudson County, New Jersey
Hudson County is the smallest county in New Jersey and one of the most densely populated in United States. It takes its name from the Hudson River, which creates part of its eastern border. Part of the New York metropolitan area, its county seat and largest city is Jersey City.- Municipalities...
, and Union
Union County, New Jersey
Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 536,499. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Elizabeth. Union County ranks 93rd among the highest-income counties in the United States. It also ranks 74th in...
counties, where many of New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
's western suburbs are located, reported snowfall totals of 12 to 20 in (30.5 to 50.8 cm).
Middlesex
Middlesex County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 750,162 people, 265,815 households, and 190,855 families residing in the county. The population density was 2,422 people per square mile . There were 273,637 housing units at an average density of 884 per square mile...
, Mercer
Mercer County, New Jersey
As of the census of 2000, there were 350,761 people, 125,807 households, and 86,303 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,552 people per square mile . There were 133,280 housing units at an average density of 590 per square mile...
, and Monmouth
Monmouth County, New Jersey
Monmouth County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 630,380, up from 615,301 at the 2000 census. Its county seat is Freehold Borough. The most populous municipality is Middletown Township with...
counties reported as much as 12 – of snow during the blizzard.
Blowing snow caused by strong winds created snow drifts; blockades for some drivers. Blizzard Warning
Blizzard warning
A Blizzard Warning is an advisory issued by the National Weather Service of the United States which means sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph / 15 m/s or greater with heavy snow is forecast for a period of 3 hours or more. A blizzard tends to reduce visibilities to 1/4 of a mile or...
s and Winter Storm Warning
Winter Storm Warning
A Winter Storm Warning is a statement made by the National Weather Service of the United States which means a winter storm is occurring or is about to occur in the area, usually within 24 hours. Generally, a Winter Storm Warning is issued if at least to or more of snow or or more of snow with...
s were posted throughout the state of New Jersey. Ice and snow mixed to cause major roads to transform into hazards for all drivers. Luckily for the southern areas of the state, most counties in the southern part got 2 to 6 in (5.1 to 15.2 cm) during the storm but snow from the past storms didn't make it any better. Delays in Camden and Newark Airports were possibly 2 hours or more. Visibilities were reduced to below 1 miles (1.6 km) in most areas. Also, houses took major damage.
New York
The system began making landfall in the New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
region as early as late Wednesday and was the most active area of the storm. The National Weather Service
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service , once known as the Weather Bureau, is one of the six scientific agencies that make up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States government...
predicted that much of the accumulations would occur in the southeastern portion of the state, with hard hit areas getting as much as 24 inches (61 cm) of snow. The storm left more than 150,000 homes and businesses in the state without power. In the Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley comprises the valley of the Hudson River and its adjacent communities in New York State, United States, from northern Westchester County northward to the cities of Albany and Troy.-History:...
, almost 150,000 Central Hudson Gas & Electric customers lost power during the storm, the most in the utility's history.
The New York State Police
New York State Police
The New York State Police is the state police force of over 4,600 sworn Troopers for the state of New York. It was established on April 11, 1917 by the New York Legislature, in response to the 1913 murder of a construction foreman named Sam Howell in Westchester County, which at that time did not...
reported two fatalities resulting from the weather. Heavy snow forced New York State troopers to close 40 miles (64 km) of Interstate 84
Interstate 84 in New York
Interstate 84 is a part of the Interstate Highway System that runs from Dunmore, Pennsylvania, to Sturbridge, Massachusetts, in the Eastern United States. In New York, I-84 extends from the Pennsylvania state line at Port Jervis to the Connecticut state line east of Brewster...
from Newburgh
Newburgh (city), New York
Newburgh is a city located in Orange County, New York, United States, north of New York City, and south of Albany, on the Hudson River. Newburgh is a principal city of the Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown metropolitan area, which includes all of Dutchess and Orange counties. The Newburgh area was...
to the Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
state line, as well as sections of the Taconic Parkway. New York State transportation officials required vehicles to be equipped with snow chains
Snow chains
Snow chains, or tire chains, are devices fitted to the tires of vehicles to provide maximum traction when driving through snow and ice....
or 4-wheel drive to travel on passable roadways within the storm's impact area; vehicles lacking chains or 4-wheel drive were stopped or turned back at inspection checkpoints.
In New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, 20.9 inches (53.1 cm) fell in Central Park
Central Park
Central Park is a public park in the center of Manhattan in New York City, United States. The park initially opened in 1857, on of city-owned land. In 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux won a design competition to improve and expand the park with a plan they entitled the Greensward Plan...
, mixed with slushy accumulation due to above-freezing temperatures during the day. Falling tree branches due to the heavy wet snow and strong winds resulted in one casualty in Central Park and created dangerous conditions on the streets. The New York City Sanitation Department deployed 1600 snow plow and 365 salt spraying trucks to keep traffic flowing smoothly on the highways and city streets of the five boroughs.
Several private schools and institutions cancelled classes on Friday, February 26, due to the storm. City mayor Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg
Michael Rubens Bloomberg is the current Mayor of New York City. With a net worth of $19.5 billion in 2011, he is also the 12th-richest person in the United States...
originally decided to keep the public schools
New York City Department of Education
The New York City Department of Education is the branch of municipal government in New York City that manages the city's public school system. It is the largest school system in the United States, with over 1.1 million students taught in more than 1,700 separate schools...
running on Friday, but acquiesced later when the weather condition worsened overnight.
New York City area's three major airports canceled more than 1,000 flights. About 3,000 usually leave the airports daily. New Jersey Transit
New Jersey Transit
The New Jersey Transit Corporation is a statewide public transportation system serving the United States state of New Jersey, and New York, Orange, and Rockland counties in New York State...
canceled buses into New York City. Rail service in New Jersey and Long Island
Long Island
Long Island is an island located in the southeast part of the U.S. state of New York, just east of Manhattan. Stretching northeast into the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island contains four counties, two of which are boroughs of New York City , and two of which are mainly suburban...
was suspended or delayed.
On February 27, ice from an upper floor of the Sony Building
Sony Building (New York)
The Sony Tower, formerly the AT&T Building, is a tall, 37-story highrise skyscraper located at 550 Madison Avenue between 55th Street and 56th Street in the New York City borough of Manhattan. It was designed by architect Philip Johnson and partner John Burgee, and was completed in 1984...
crashed through the building's atrium glass ceiling, injuring at least 15 people attending a Purim
Purim
Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire from destruction in the wake of a plot by Haman, a story recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther .Purim is celebrated annually according to the Hebrew calendar on the 14th...
party.
Pennsylvania
On February 24, 2010, PennDOTPennsylvania Department of Transportation
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation oversees transportation issues in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The administrator of PennDOT is the Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation, currently Barry Schoch Presently, PennDOT supports over of state roads and highways, about 25,000...
officials initially requested through local media that drivers stay off the roads during the storm that was expected to hit Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
on 25–26 February. Officials said interstates
Interstate Highway System
The Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, , is a network of limited-access roads including freeways, highways, and expressways forming part of the National Highway System of the United States of America...
and other high-traffic highways would be treated first. Secondary state routes were noted as a lower priority during the severe storms that impacted the state in 2009-10. PennDOT officials noted that they had more than 480,000 tons of salt in stock, and that so far, $159 million of the $180 million winter budget had already been spent. If that budget were exhausted, PennDOT would tap funds normally reserved for spring maintenance.
In the early morning of February 25, several communities in Berks
Berks County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 373,638 people, 141,570 households, and 98,532 families residing in the county. The population density was 435 people per square mile . There were 150,222 housing units at an average density of 175 per square mile...
, Lancaster
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, known as the Garden Spot of America or Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is a county located in the southeastern part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of 2010 the population was 519,445. Lancaster County forms the Lancaster Metropolitan Statistical Area, the...
and Lebanon
Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 120,327 people and 32,771 families residing in the county. The population density was 332 people per square mile . There were 49,320 housing units at an average density of 136 per square mile...
counties issued snow emergencies. The lower Susquehanna Valley in South Central Pennsylvania
South Central Pennsylvania
South Central Pennsylvania is a region of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania that includes the fourteen counties of Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, and York....
was expecting to see between 2 to 6 in (5.1 to 15.2 cm) with isolated amounts around 8 inches (20.3 cm). Sustained winds at 20 mile per hour and as high as 50 mph (22.4 m/s) were expected into the early evening.
At 1:00 p.m. EST on February 25, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission was created in 1937 to construct, finance, operate and maintain the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The commission consists of five members. Four members are appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania. The fifth member is the Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation.In...
implemented a 45 mph (20.1 m/s) speed limit for the entire length of the Northeast Extension
Interstate 476
Interstate 476 is a auxiliary Interstate Highway in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania designated between Interstate 95 near Chester and Interstate 81 near Scranton, serving as the primary north–south Interstate corridor through eastern Pennsylvania....
of the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Pennsylvania Turnpike
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a toll highway system operated by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. The three sections of the turnpike system total . The main section extends from Ohio to New Jersey and is long...
, a distance of 111 miles (178.6 km).
At 6:00 p.m. EST on February 25, the Turnpike Commission banned tractor-trailers, other trailers and box trucks which are Class 5, which is 30001 lbs, as well as all trucks heavier than Class 5, using the Turnpike's weight classification system for toll calculations, from the Northeast Extension
Interstate 476
Interstate 476 is a auxiliary Interstate Highway in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania designated between Interstate 95 near Chester and Interstate 81 near Scranton, serving as the primary north–south Interstate corridor through eastern Pennsylvania....
.
On both February 25 and 26, the Philadelphia School District and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia canceled classes for all public and archdiocesan schools in the city of Philadelphia, as well as all archdiocesan schools in the nearby suburbs. Most suburban schools also were closed on both days. Due to the shifting track of the storm, the city of Philadelphia did not receive as much snow as had been predicted, with totals only approaching 4 to 6 in (10.2 to 15.2 cm). However, suburbs to the north and east of the city, the Lehigh Valley
Lehigh Valley
The Lehigh Valley, known officially by the United States Census Bureau as the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metropolitan area and referred to locally as The Valley and A-B-E, is a metropolitan region consisting of Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, and Carbon counties in eastern Pennsylvania and...
, and The Poconos
The Poconos
The Pocono Mountains is a region located in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States. The Poconos, located chiefly in Monroe and Pike counties , are an upland of the larger Allegheny Plateau...
did receive snow in excess of 12 inches (30.5 cm).
Whiteout
Whiteout (weather)
Whiteout is a weather condition in which visibility and contrast are severely reduced by snow or sand. The horizon disappears completely and there are no reference points at all, leaving the individual with a distorted orientation...
conditions and multiple crashes in the early morning of February 26 forced an indefinite closure of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in both directions between Carlisle
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Carlisle is a borough in and the county seat of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. The name is traditionally pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable. Carlisle is located within the Cumberland Valley, a highly productive agricultural region. As of the 2010 census, the borough...
and Breezewood
Breezewood, Pennsylvania
Breezewood is an unincorporated town in Bedford County in south-central Pennsylvania.Along a traditional pathway for Native Americans, European settlers, and British troops during colonial times, in the early 20th century, the small valley that became known as Breezewood was a popular stopping...
.
At 6:00 p.m. on February 26, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission implemented a 45 mph (20.1 m/s) speed limit between the Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
state line and the Breezewood exit, a distance of 161 miles (259.1 km).
On Friday, PPL
PPL (utility)
PPL, formerly known as PP&L or Pennsylvania Power and Light, is an energy company headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. It currently controls about 19,000 megawatts of electrical generating capacity in the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania and Montana, and delivers electricity to...
reported several hundred people without power, most of them in Schuylkill County
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
-Notable people:*Boxing heavyweight great Muhammad Ali had his training camp in Deer Lake.*Charles Justin Bailey, commanding general of the 81st Division in World War I, was born in Tamaqua on June 21, 1859....
. Met-Ed
FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy Corp. , is a diversified energy company headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as energy management and other energy-related services...
reported power outages in Adams
Adams County, Pennsylvania
Adams County is a county in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 101,407. It was created on January 22, 1800, from part of York County and named in honor of the second President of the United States, John Adams...
, Lebanon
Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 120,327 people and 32,771 families residing in the county. The population density was 332 people per square mile . There were 49,320 housing units at an average density of 136 per square mile...
and Berks
Berks County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 373,638 people, 141,570 households, and 98,532 families residing in the county. The population density was 435 people per square mile . There were 150,222 housing units at an average density of 175 per square mile...
counties.
In Pittsburgh, total snowfall accumulations varied between 6 to 12 in (15.2 to 30.5 cm). Overall, areas to the southwest of the city received lesser accumulations while mountainous areas to the east received substantially higher accumulations. The storm created major traffic-related issues on the city's major transportation arteries, including Interstates 79
Interstate 79
Interstate 79 is an Interstate Highway in the eastern United States, designated from Interstate 77 in Charleston, West Virginia to Pennsylvania Route 5 and Pennsylvania Route 290 in Erie, Pennsylvania...
, 279
Interstate 279
Interstate 279 is a north–south Interstate Highway spur that lies entirely within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Its southern end is at Interstate 376 at the Fort Pitt Bridge in Pittsburgh, and the north end is in Franklin Park at Interstate 79...
, and 376
Interstate 376
Interstate 376 is a major auxiliary route of the Interstate Highway System in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, located entirely within the Allegheny Plateau. It runs from I-80 near Sharon south and east to a junction with the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Monroeville, after having crossed the Turnpike...
.
Rhode Island
Drenching rains from the storm may have caused a retaining wall in a ProvidenceProvidence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...
parking lot to collapse, leading to a washout of the ground underneath.
West Virginia
Blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall in the eastern mountains of the state bordering Maryland led the West Virginia Department of TransportationWest Virginia Department of Transportation
The West Virginia Department of Transportation is the state agency responsible for transportation in West Virginia. The Department of Transportation serves an umbrella organization for seven subsidiary agencies which are directly responsible for different areas of the state's...
to close a portion of Interstate 68
Interstate 68
Interstate 68 is a Interstate highway in the U.S. states of West Virginia and Maryland, connecting in Morgantown to in Hancock. is also Corridor E of the Appalachian Development Highway System. From 1965 until the freeway's construction was completed in 1991, it was designated as...
. A Blizzard Warning
Blizzard warning
A Blizzard Warning is an advisory issued by the National Weather Service of the United States which means sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph / 15 m/s or greater with heavy snow is forecast for a period of 3 hours or more. A blizzard tends to reduce visibilities to 1/4 of a mile or...
was posted as far south as Bluefield, West Virginia
Bluefield, West Virginia
Bluefield is a city in Mercer County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 10,447 at the 2010 census. It is also the core city of the Bluefield WV-VA micropolitan area which has a population of 107,342.-Geography & Climate:...
.
Canada
Over 50 cm (19.7 in) of snow was reported in some areas of QuebecQuebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
, with over 100,000 residents suffering power outages on February 26. Snowfall amounts of over 20 cm (7.9 in) were recorded in parts of southern Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, especially in the Niagara region. Strong winds gusting up to 120 km/h (74.6 mph) and heavy rain and snow were reported on the 26th in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
and New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
. Snowsquall
Snowsquall
A snowsquall is a sudden moderately heavy snow fall with blowing snow and strong, gusty surface winds. It is often referred to as a whiteout and is similar to a blizzard but is localized in time or in space and snow accumulations may or may not be significant.-Lake effect snow:When arctic air...
s combined with bands of westward-progressing snow over Ontario to produce heavy snow as well as periods of freezing rain
Freezing rain
Freezing rain is the name given to rain that falls when surface temperatures are below freezing. The raindrops become supercooled while passing through a sub-freezing layer of air, many hundred feet , just above the surface, and then freeze upon impact with any object they encounter. The resulting...
in some locations.
"Snowicane" controversy
Prior to the storm the AccuweatherAccuWeather
AccuWeather is an American media company that provides for-profit weather forecasting services worldwide.AccuWeather was founded in 1962 by Joel N. Myers, then a Penn State graduate student working on degrees in meteorology. His first customer was a gas company in Pennsylvania. While running the...
forecast called for winds gusting to 70 mph (31.3 m/s) in some locations and predicted that coastal flooding and power outages would occur. They used words such as "hurricane-like conditions" and "snowicane" to describe the upcoming event. The National Weather Service
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service , once known as the Weather Bureau, is one of the six scientific agencies that make up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States government...
forecast called for less severe conditions. National Weather Service meteorologist Craig Evanego said the use of these terms was not responsible, could lead to panic and noted that "snowicane" was not in the glossary of meteorology
Meteorology
Meteorology is the interdisciplinary scientific study of the atmosphere. Studies in the field stretch back millennia, though significant progress in meteorology did not occur until the 18th century. The 19th century saw breakthroughs occur after observing networks developed across several countries...
. The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel is a US cable and satellite television network since May 2, 1982, that broadcasts weather forecasts and weather-related news, along with entertainment programming related to weather 24 hours a day...
called the use of the term "bad meteorology". Accuweather defended the use of the terms, saying their forecasts are geared toward the general public and these terms were used to make the event more understandable to them. It was also noted that the barometric pressure would be equivalent to that of a Category 2 hurricane.
See also
- North American blizzard of 2009North American blizzard of 2009The North American blizzard of 2009 was a Category 2 nor'easter that formed over the Gulf of Mexico in December 2009 and became a major snowstorm for the East Coast of the United States and Canadian Atlantic provinces...
- February 5–6, 2010 North American blizzard
- February 9–10, 2010 North American blizzard
- March 2010 North American winter stormMarch 2010 North American winter stormThe March 2010 North American winter storm was a powerful nor easter that impacted the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada from March 12–16, 2010, resulting in at least nine deaths. The slow-moving storm produced over of rain in New England, causing widespread flooding of urban and...
- Winter storms of 2009–2010