Winter storms live: Atmospheric river comes ashore on west coast amid more severe weather threats
More snow is expected later this week in the US northeast and New England after a large winter storm swept the region on Tuesday.
The nor’easter left one person dead, closed schools, and caused hundreds of flight cancellations and road accidents.
But while some places saw 15 inches of snow, the accumulations were less than expected in other locations. More than three inches of snow fell on Central Park in New York, the most in two years, but less than the six inches originally forecast.
On Wednesday, a storm was expected to begin over central states before pushing into the northeast by Thursday night, with several more inches of snow possible.
On the west coast, a new storm system was forecast to come ashore on Wednesday from the Pacific, with moderate to heavy rain expected in coastal areas of the northwest, and northern California. The region has been battered by atmospheric river conditions in recent weeks.
By Thursday, this latest storm will have moved well inland, bringing heavy snow to the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and also the northern Rockies.
Key points
Man dies in snowmobile crash
Up to 15 inches of snow falls in Connecticut amid winter storm
Winter storm warnings lifted for most of New York
More wintry conditions forecast across the US later this week
Valentine’s Day weather update
22:15 , Louise Boyle
Valentine’s Day brought much more tranquil weather and a “chance to dry out” for many areas in the northeast, New England and the south after a strong nor’easter.
However temperatures along the eastern seaboard were colder than normal on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.
More wintry conditions were expected this week. A storm was expected to begin today in northern parts of central states before quickly moving east over the midwest by tonight, and reaching the Great Lakes on Thursday, bringing several inches of snow.
The system will then shift into the northeast on Friday with another round of light to moderate snow, NWS said.
In the northern plains and midwest, Arctic air coming south from Canada will see temperatures drop below normal.
On the west coast, a new storm system is coming onshore on Wedneday from the Pacific Ocean, with moderate rain to heavy rain expected along the Northwest coast and extending south down into northern California.
By Thursday, this latest atmospheric river will have moved well inland, bringing heavy snow to the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and also northern Rockies. Snow from this system will move farther east to the northern plains on Friday bringing new winter weather threats into the weekend.
What airports were suffering the worst delays and cancellations on Wednesday?
21:45 , Louise Boyle
More than 200 flights were delayed but only a handful were cancelled in the United States on Wednesday as weather impacts continued to take a toll on travel.
Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles were the worst affected, according to Flightaware’s tracking site on Wednesday afternoon.
More downpours on the way for the west coast
21:15 , Louise Boyle
A storm system will come ashore from the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing a new surge of moisture and areas of locally heavy rain on the west coast, Stuti Mishra reports.
This will include heavy rainfall for the coastal ranges of the Pacific Northwest and down into northern California. Locally, a couple inches of rain can be expected.
Farther inland over the higher terrain of the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and gradually the northern Rockies, this precipitation will fall as heavy snow.
As much as 1 to 2 feet of new snow with isolated heavier amounts can be expected into Thursday.
The west coast, and particularly California, has been battered by atmospheric “rivers in the sky” in recent weeks which have led to flash flooding, landslides and blizzard conditions in the mountains.
Snowfall totals in NYC
20:45 , Louise Boyle
Snowfall across the New York area ranged from 2.3 inches on Tuesday to 13.8 inches, the National Weather Service said.
Across New York City, the range was between three and six inches.
Climate change threatens winter sports
20:17 , Louise Boyle
Every winter, Pete Kibble and the guys he plays social hockey with in Massachusetts make the trek up to New Hampshire to play in an outdoor tournament many believe embodies the sport in its purest form.
They are among the 2,200 players who descend on Meredith each February to compete for three days on a frozen lake surrounded by rolling, snow-covered hills. It’s an event many wouldn’t miss as much for the social experience as anything. Kibble’s team name — Nog — even comes from their post-game tradition of sharing eggnog with opponents.
But like many winter traditions on lakes across the U.S., the Pond Hockey Classic is under threat from climate change. This year, the tournament was moved from Lake Winnipesaukee, where the ice wasn’t thick enough, to the smaller Lake Waukewan. As temperatures soared, a sister tournament on Lake Champlain in Vermont was canceled.
Every winter, Pete Kibble and the guys he plays social hockey with in Massachusetts make the trek up to New Hampshire to play in an outdoor tournament many believe embodies the sport in its purest form.
They are among the 2,200 players who descend on Meredith each February to compete for three days on a frozen lake surrounded by rolling, snow-covered hills. It’s an event many wouldn’t miss as much for the social experience as anything. Kibble’s team name — Nog — even comes from their post-game tradition of sharing eggnog with opponents.
But like many winter traditions on lakes across the U.S., the Pond Hockey Classic is under threat from climate change. This year, the tournament was moved from Lake Winnipesaukee, where the ice wasn’t thick enough, to the smaller Lake Waukewan. As temperatures soared, a sister tournament on Lake Champlain in Vermont was canceled.
More snow this week for NYC?
19:45 , Louise Boyle
New storm systems on way to west coast
19:15 , Louise Boyle
Satellite imagery revealed several storm systems brewing in the Pacific on Wednesday, signalling the latest round of extreme conditions heading for the west coast.
The systems wil begin to impact the region from today through early next week bringing torrential rainfall, flooding, and heavy mountain snow to the region.
Several storm systems brewing in the Pacific will barrage the west coast of the US from now through early next week, bringing torrential rainfall, flooding, and heavy mountain snow to the region. pic.twitter.com/2R3qQ1Vth4
— CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) February 14, 2024
Snow, a Minnesota rarity this winter
18:45 , Louise Boyle
Forecasters in the Twin Cities shared a photo on Wednesday of a rare sight: snow this winter in Minnesota.
The picture showed a highway near to Canby, a town around 150 miles west of Minneapolis.
Central Minneapolis is forecast to see its largest snowfall since Halloween on Wednesday.
Here's a rare sight this year, snow in the winter in MN... This is the view outside Canby where the snow is starting to fly. So far, our forecast looks to be on track for many between central MN and I-90 to see their largest snowfall since Halloween! #mnwx pic.twitter.com/OWzaqAak15
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) February 14, 2024
Snow on the way in Chicago
18:31 , Louise Boyle
Winter Storm: The latest for Wednesday, 14th February
18:14 , Louise Boyle
Valentine’s Day will bring much more tranquil weather and a “chance to dry out” for many areas in the northeast, New England and the south after a strong nor’easter.
However temperatures along the eastern seaboard will be colder than normal on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.
More wintry conditions were expected later in the week. A storm was expected to begin today in northern parts of central states before quickly moving east over the midwest by tonight, and reaching the Great Lakes on Thursday, bringing several inches of snow.
The system will then shift into the northeast on Friday with another round of light to moderate snow, NWS said.
In the northern plains and midwest, Arctic air coming south from Canada will see temperatures drop below normal.
On the west coast, a new storm system is coming onshore on Wedneday from the Pacific Ocean, with moderate rain to heavy rain expected along the Northwest coast and extending south down into northern California.
By Thursday, this latest atmospheric river will have moved well inland, bringing heavy snow to the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and also northern Rockies. Snow from this system will move farther east to the northern plains on Friday bringing new winter weather threats into the weekend.
What do you do if your flight is cancelled?
17:44 , Louise Boyle
Hundreds of flights were cancelled on Tuesday, mostly along the East Coast, and more stormy conditions are expected in different pockets of the country as the week rolls on.
Airlines can’t control the weather, but they are still required to provide refunds for customers whose flights are canceled.
Here’s what to know about your rights, and what to know when cancellations start piling up.
More than 1,000 flights already cancelled due to storm, was one of them yours? Here's what to do
This week’s snowfall does little to boost a below average winter, forecasters say
17:29 , Louise Boyle
The National Weather Service for the US eastern region reported that despite significant snowfall on Tuesday, all locations were running below normal snowfall totals for the season.
Syracuse, New York, a city that typically experiences heavy snowfall, is 61 inches below average snowfall through 13th February, NWS said. Erie, Pennsylvania is 56 inches below average.
In pictures: A snowy Tuesday in New York
17:15 , Louise Boyle
Wicked cold in New England
16:59 , Louise Boyle
New England was hit by bitterly cold blasts on Wednesday with 25-40 mph gusts creating wind chills in the teens and 20s, the National Weather Service in Boston said.
A fast-moving system that is expected to arrive by Thursday evening/early Friday is forecast to bring light snow with a dusting in Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts, and a possible three inches for inland Massachusetts.
Eric Adams thanks New Yorkers
16:42 , Louise Boyle
Mayor Eric Adams thanked New Yorkers for heeding the City’s warning over the treacherous weather and limiting their time on the roads.
Posting a video from outside his old school in Queens, Mr Adams praised the New York Santitation Department for their snow-plowing, and said officials would continue to monitor the situation.
“Thank you New Yorkers, we are going to plow through this,” he said.
On the ground in Queens keeping an eye on snow removal operations. @NYCSanitation plows are hitting the streets. If you don’t need to travel, stay off the roads and help "New York’s Strongest" get us through this storm. pic.twitter.com/6e3xp33dFu
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) February 13, 2024
Who’s had the most snow?
16:29 , Louise Boyle
The National Weather Service office for the Eastern region shared the highest snowfall totals on Tuesday afternoon.
Farmington, Connecticut -15.5 inches
Sussex, New Jersey - 15in
Shohola, Pennsylvania - 15in
Chester, New York - 13in
Foster, Rhode Island - 10in
Dudley, Massachusetts - 8.8in
Mount Storm, West Virginia - 8in
Sabillasville, Maryland - 8in
Tech glitches prevent remote learning during storm
16:01 , Louise Boyle
When New York City officials got wind of the major winter storm headed their way, they rewound the clock four years, reopened their coronavirus pandemic playbook, and announced that instead of canceling school, teachers and students would once again meet online. No snow day.
Mayor Eric Adams said it was important to give children enrolled in the nation’s largest school system stability considering the massive upheaval to education the pandemic had caused throughout the country. Some school districts in other states have done the same since adopting the technology essential in 2020 to make virtual school days possible.
Unfortunately for Adams, the plan didn’t go so well: Many students, teachers and administrators were unable to log in to their accounts — a problem that city officials blamed on a technology contractor. Read more at The Associated Press.
‘Low bar'
15:46 , Louise Boyle
The Twin Cities is expecting its largest snowstorm of the season on Wednesday but forecasters pointed out that “the bar has been set very low” due to the lack of snow overall this year.
Snow will arrive in the Minneapolis-St Paul region by late afternoon. Between 2-5 inches of snow is expected for southern Minnesota, and western Wisconsin.
The US is experiencing cold but in shorter streaks, climate scientists say
15:09 , Louise Boyle
Americans are still experiencing brutally cold temperatures in winter - but for shorter bursts than previous decades.
The non-profit Climate Central found that cold streaks have shortened in 236 locations across the country, a trend that has impacts throughout the rest of the year.
A winter cold streak is defined as at least two consecutive days, between December and February, when the temperature is below the 30-year average at that location.
Cold streaks shrunk by six days on average across 240 locations from 1970 to 2023, the researchers found.
Sustained wintry conditions are beneficial for the coming months - they prevent fruit and nut crops from blooming too early, keep mosquito and tick populations in check, and create snowpack that becomes critical water supply for the rest of the year.
Overall global temperature rise, driven by the emissions from fossil fuels, means that winter is warming faster than any other season across the continental US.
Another atmospheric river for the west coast
14:53 , Louise Boyle
Satellite imagery captured a large storm moving in from the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday.
The latest atmospheric river to impact the region is forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and heavy mountain snow along the Northwest coast and extend south down into northern California.
This morning, Air Mass imagery via @NOAA's #GOESWest 🛰️ is showing a large Pacific storm moving into the northwestern U.S. that is bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and heavy mountain snow. #WinterStorm Warnings and #WinterWeather Advisories in effect in some areas.
Latest… pic.twitter.com/tFuqfC3d1D— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) February 14, 2024
Watch: Tech issues plague remote learning after school was cancelled for snow day
14:37 , Louise Boyle
Bundle up!
14:15 , Louise Boyle
The National Weather Service’s office in New York warned of bitterly-cold temperatures on Wednesday.
The temperature dropped to 37 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8C) in New York, Newark, and New Haven.
“Keep warm if you are heading outside with your Valentine today!” the agency advised.
Winter Storm: The latest for Wednesday, 14th February
13:56 , Louise Boyle
Valentine’s Day will bring much more tranquil weather and a “chance to dry out” for many areas in the northeast, New England and the south after a strong nor’easter.
However temperatures along the eastern seaboard will be colder than normal on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.
More wintry conditions were expected later in the week. A storm was expected to begin today in northern parts of central states before quickly moving east over the midwest by tonight, and reaching the Great Lakes on Thursday, bringing several inches of snow.
The system will then shift into the northeast on Friday with another round of light to moderate snow, NWS said.
In the northern plains and midwest, Arctic air coming south from Canada will see temperatures drop below normal.
On the west coast, a new storm system is coming onshore on Wedneday from the Pacific Ocean, with moderate rain to heavy rain expected along the Northwest coast and extending south down into northern California.
By Thursday, this latest atmospheric river will have moved well inland, bringing heavy snow to the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and also northern Rockies. Snow from this system will move farther east to the northern plains on Friday bringing new winter weather threats into the weekend.
Watch: Heavy snow blankets New York City as winter storm warning issued
13:00 , Mike Bedigan
Wind and coastal warnings accompany the snow
05:29 , Mike Bedigan
The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for the New York area until 6pm eastern time on Tuesday.
Coastal flood warnings and advisories were in place for the entire coastline due to high tides.
A gale warning was also in effect for the ocean waters today, according to the NWS.
New Yorkers warned to be on alert as temperatures plunge
05:00 , Mike Bedigan
City officials were issuing warnings for New Yorkers as sub-zero conditions set in.
Temperatures were expected to fall below freezing on Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service, meaning that melting snow and standing water on roads and sidewalks may become icy into Wednesday.
“As snow melts from sidewalks, trees and buildings, it could potentially re-freeze,” the city’s emergency management service said.
“Please exercise caution on sidewalks, outdoor stairs and escalators, unenclosed subways and train stations, and while biking or driving on roads, especially at night.”
More snow this week for NYC?
19:08 , Louise Boyle
Watch: How the snowstorm developed across New York
04:30 , Mike Bedigan
More wintry conditions forecast across the US later this week
04:00 , Mike Bedigan
From tomorrow into Thursday, a weak storm system will cross the central Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes region, according to the National Weather Service, producing a few inches of snow.
However, temperatures for large areas of the Midwest will continue to be above normal, with temperatures somewhat below normal for the Northeast.
There will be the beginning of a surge of Arctic air from Canada by late Wednesday and Thursday into the northern High Plains, and this will set the stage for even colder temperatures arriving by the latter part of the week.
Timelapse footage from satellites captures nor’easter shifting across US
03:30 , Mike Bedigan
This #TimelapseTuesday, check out a developing #noreaster expected to bring strong winds and heavy snowfall from the mid-Atlantic to New England today. Imagery captured by @NOAA's #GOESEast 🛰️ shows the system forming over roughly 13 hours yesterday.
Latest:… pic.twitter.com/KJOHZ9GrKj— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) February 13, 2024
Power goes out
02:00 , Mike Bedigan
More than 140,000 people were without power in Pennsylvania during the heavy winter storm on Tuesday.
More than 12,000 had also lost power in New Jersey, and nearly 5,000 in New York.
Further south, 11,600 people in North Carolina had outages, according to utility tracker, poweroutage.us.
What is thundersnow?
Tuesday 13 February 2024 23:54 , Louise Boyle
What is thundersnow, the rare phenomenon that could hit New York City?
In pictures: A wintry New York after heavy snowfall
Tuesday 13 February 2024 22:15 , Louise Boyle
New York City has been hit by a powerful winter storm that continues to move north on Tuesday.
New York blanketed in snow after powerful winter storm
What do you do if your flight is cancelled?
Tuesday 13 February 2024 21:15 , Louise Boyle
A nasty storm with 60mph winds raked parts of the Northeast on Tuesday creating dangerous conditions on the road and snarling airports.
More than 1,200 flights were cancelled before noon, mostly along the East Coast, but that is likely to spread west as the day goes on.
Airlines can’t control the weather, but they are still required to provide refunds for customers whose flights are canceled. Here’s what to know about your rights, and what to know when cancellations start piling up.
More than 1,000 flights already cancelled due to storm, was one of them yours? Here's what to do
Hundreds of flights cancelled as winter storm wreaks havoc across northeast
Tuesday 13 February 2024 20:40 , Louise Boyle
Heavy snow from this week’s winter storm is wreaking havoc on the northeast’s major airports.
LaGuardia Airport is leading the pack with nearly 400 cancelled flights and more than 100 delays as of Tuesday morning, according to FlightAware.
Meanwhile, Newark Liberty International, Boston Logan International and John F Kennedy International are all seeing similar rates of cancellations as snow piles up across the region.
In total, some 1,100 flights into, out of or within the US have been cancelled as of early Tuesday, while another 1,500 have been delayed. That number will likely rise throughout the day as snow continues to accumulate.Katie Hawkinson reports
Hundreds of flights cancelled as winter storm wreaks havoc across northeast
Massachusetts and Rhode Island under winter storm warnings until this evening
Tuesday 13 February 2024 20:23 , Louise Boyle
A winter storm warning remained in effect until 7pm local time across areas of New England on Tuesday including the cities of Brockton, Plymouth, Fall River, New Bedford, and Mattapoisett.
Forecasters said that six to nine inches of snow was expected across portions of southeastern Massachusetts, and northern and southern Rhode Island.
“The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute,” NWS warned. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”
What is thundersnow?
Tuesday 13 February 2024 19:49 , Louise Boyle
What is thundersnow, the rare phenomenon that could hit New York City?
What’s in the forecast for winter storm in the New York area?
Tuesday 13 February 2024 19:33 , Louise Boyle
The winter storm warning remained in effect until 6pm eastern time on Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.
While a large amount of snow had already fallen, another two inches was expected in Northwest Suffolk, Northeast Suffolk, Southwest Suffolk, Southeast Suffolk and Northern Nassau Counties.
Total snow accumulations were expected to be six to nine inches. Winds were gusting as high as 35 mph.
Forecasters warned of slippery road conditions into the evening commute, and that the heavy snow load on trees could bring down scattered branches with power outages possible.
Wind and coastal warnings accompany the snow
Tuesday 13 February 2024 18:44 , Louise Boyle
The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for the New York area until 6pm eastern time on Tuesday.
Coastal flood warnings and advisories were in place for the entire coastline due to high tides.
A gale warning was also in effect for the ocean waters today, according to the NWS.
Pictured: Flights cancelled and delayed at NY airports
Tuesday 13 February 2024 16:58 , Louise Boyle
More than 1,400 flights are cancelled
Tuesday 13 February 2024 14:28 , Louise Boyle
Flight cancellations were mounting in the northeast on Tuesday as a winter storm swept the region.
There were 1,408 cancellations across the US in total, according to the flight monitoring site FlightAware.
The New York area airports - LaGuardia, JFK and Newark - were the worst impacted.
ICYMI: Hundreds of flights cancelled as winter storm wreaks havoc across northeast
Tuesday 13 February 2024 23:48 , Mike Bedigan
Heavy snow from this weel’s severe winter storm has wrought havoc on the northeast’s major airports.
LaGuardia Airport, in New York, is led the pack with nearly 400 cancelled flights and more than 100 delays as of Tuesday morning, according to FlightAware.
Katie Hawkinson has the full story:
Hundreds of flights cancelled as winter storm wreaks havoc across northeast
