The United States is witnessing anomalous weather patterns this Spring, as the Midwest and Northeast region face severe snowstorms and special marine warnings. This highly unusual weather event collided with both regions inflicting blizzard conditions, power outages, and menacingly low visibility impacting travel.
The Midwest region, including Wisconsin, is experiencing winter weather despite the calendar showing Spring. Over a foot of snow has accumulated in Wisconsin and other parts with strong winds recorded to be reaching up to 35 miles per hour. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has been issued with a blizzard warning – its gusty winds combining with the heavy snowfall expected to cause drastically low visibility.
As this bizarre Spring snowstorm extends its icy grip into the Northeast, mountain ranges and ski resorts within upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine are bearing the brute of heavy snowfall. Higher elevations in New England could be looking at a staggering 2 feet of snow accumulation. The situation is expected to intensify by Wednesday night and continue through Thursday.
In Maine, Gov. Janet Mills discourages travel due to expected low visibility. The director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency Pete Rogers indicates that residents should be prepared for potential extended power outages, suggesting becoming equipped with emergency supplies, alternative power sources, and charging mobile devices in advance.
Moreover, marine areas from the Delaware Bay to Little Choptank River are witnessing thunderstorms with wind gusts of 34 knots or more, prompting Special Marine Warnings by the National Weather Service. Visibility may be drastically reduced due to these conditions, potentially damaging small crafts, increasing waves, and causing harm to boats and ships in the affected areas. Therefore, mariners are advised to move to safe harbors immediately.
In the Southern Fairfield-Southern New Haven-Southern Middlesex-Southern New London-Hudson-Southern Westchester-New York (Manhattan) areas, a High Wind Warning is in effect until Thursday 2 AM EDT. East winds are directed at 25 to 35 mph with gusts escalating up to 60 mph. Residents are warned that damaging winds could cause trees and power lines to fall, leading to widespread power outages and difficult travel conditions.
Meteorologists and emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely and urge the public to follow official advice and use extreme caution during this time.
Information Box:
– Spring snowstorm hits the Midwest and Northeast regions
– Over 1 foot of snow accumulates in Wisconsin
– Special Marine Warnings issued from Delaware Bay to Little Choptank River
– High Wind Warning in effect in southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey, and southeast New York
References:
1: ABC News – “New England braces for spring snowstorm as Upper Midwest faces blizzard conditions, power outages”
2: National Weather Service – Weather.gov
3: National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ – Special Marine Warning Bulletin
4: National Weather Service New York NY – High Wind Warning
Twitter Post: Unusual #SpringSnowstorm wreaks havoc across Midwest and New England, prompting blizzard warnings and causing power outages across several states. Stay safe out there, folks! #snowstorm #NewEngland #Midwest #MarineWarning #Spring2024