Northeast Corridor Shuts Down in Anticipation of Massive Blizzard Bomb

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Category: Earth, Air, Space Science

Published on Monday, 13 March 2017 19:59

Written by Janet Walker

From Washington D.C to New York City and as far west as Chicago, upwards of fifty million residents are bracing for Winter Storm Stella, which is expected to produce heavy snow totals, blizzard conditions, plummeting temperatures, and frigid wind chills.

For most residents effected by Stella the primary concern remains the expected snow totals. What are the acclamation expectations? Granted the weather modules predictions of Stella guarantee a wide swath will receive the actual predictions and possibly more.

Nor'Easters combine two distinctive elements to create the perfect storm, Stella is taking shape as the strong low pressure off the east coast which will produce rain on the eastern side of the storm merges with a cold jet stream moving across the plains states.

Stella is defining herself with unique elements. Her formation is being classified as "bombogenesis" which is defined as a mid-latitude cyclone that drops in surface barometric pressure by 24 or more millibars in a 24 hour period.

So which cities luck out and have rain instead of blizzard conditions and nearly two feet of snow? The formation line, if it should drive expected snow totals, as the storm moves north, New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and all points north are expected to receive at least 18 to 24 inches. Coastal Flooding is also expected as the high winds drive the tides

South of Washington, D.C, Stella is producing intense heavy rains and driving winds. Higher than normal tides are expected as Stella continues to form producing heavy flooding into coastal areas. Major beach erosion is expected.

For central Washington, D.C. Stella modules are predicting only minimal snow accumulations possibly up to three inches. If on the other hand Stella tracks more easterly Washington D.C. could get socked with as much as 6" of snow.

Although no weather module has mentioned a more easterly track. Weather forecasters have refrained from predicting snow totals for the mid-Atlantic states which include Baltimore, Philadelphia, Delmarva peninsula and southern New Jersey.

All weather modules indicate snow should be accumulating at the rate of 1 to 4 inches per hour, white out blizzard conditions with whipping, gusty winds of near 50 mph, sharp drops in temperature and severe wind chill are expected.

Residents in the heavily impacted areas are encouraged to shelter in place and remain inside and off the roads. Cities within this region have already begun to issues State of Emergency warnings which require all motorists to remain off the roads except for emergency vehicles.

Closures and delays are already posting. Airports closures in the heavily impacted areas are anticipated and flight cancellations or delays for others.

With confirmed weather advisories in place, effecting several of the nations busiest airports, more than 5000 flights have been cancelled from Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, New York City, New Jersey, Boston, and points further north. Travelers should check their flight information including the travel advisory notification that allows concerned passengers to reschedule without cost during the window provided by the airline.

Stella is expected to impact the 50 million residents along the Interstate 95 Corridor until Wednesday.

The colder temperatures should hang around for the week and seasonably warmer weather is expected following this last frigid blast of winter weather.

Sources: The Weather Channel