Maine is bracing for a massive nor’easter storm that is expected to bring up to 22 inches of snow, as a large part of the country is being hit with severe weather including rain and tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm will affect many parts of the country, but Maine is expected to be the hardest hit with heavy snow and strong winds. The storm is set to begin Wednesday evening with rain or sleet before turning into snow. Gusty winds are also predicted, with some areas facing winds up to 55mph.
The storm has already caused widespread damage in various states and has left over 200,000 homes without power. To make matters worse, two people have been reported to have been killed due to the bad weather, with one person losing their life in a traffic crash and the other in Tulsa, Oklahoma, while trying to take shelter in a storm drain.
In Wellfleet, Massachusetts, where the storm has already begun to hit, video footage showed large swells developing in the ocean. In New York, high winds have caused significant delays at the city’s three airports, and officials have issued a special warning about ‘pea-sized’ hail in Queens until 6:30 pm.
According to experts, the storm is expected to bring difficult travel conditions, power outages, and minor coastal flooding in Maine. The state’s Emergency Management Agency has advised residents to stay off the roads and be prepared for power outages by having emergency supplies, alternate power sources, and charged mobile devices.
It’s RIPPING out here in Wellfleet. 😍 Ripping up the ocean and ripping tears from my stinging eyes! 😂#noreaster #OceanDevotion @Eweather13 @NWSBoston @ContentWxGuy @PeteNBCBoston pic.twitter.com/oP6LqOj1fN
— Marlo Garnsworthy 🌊❄️ (@MarloWordyBird) April 3, 2024
New Hampshire is also on high alert, with the U.S. Forest Service issuing an avalanche watch for parts of the White Mountains until Friday afternoon. The service has warned backcountry hikers of the possibility of 30 inches of snow, creating dangerous avalanche conditions. However, this does not apply to ski areas.
The damage from the storm has already been felt in several states, with confirmed tornadoes in Alabama, West Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, and Kentucky. Georgia, in particular, has been hit hard, with a confirmed tornado causing damage to houses and leaving 10,000 people without power in Atlanta. Rockdale County in Georgia has also been affected, with crews conducting surveys to determine if a tornado touched down in the area.
According to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, surveyors are assessing the damage across the state, and a state of emergency remains in effect for several counties. In West Virginia, over 103,000 homes are without power, and it may take until Thursday night for some Appalachian Power customers to have their service restored.
Shaking the snow globe. ❄️ pic.twitter.com/2iDJsB7L4T
— Richard Roeper (@RichardERoeper) April 3, 2024
In addition to power outages, the storm has also caused school closures in eight of West Virginia’s counties, and moderate flooding is expected on the Ohio River in Wheeling. Parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania have also been hit with heavy rain, leading to flooding and road closures. A flood warning is in effect for areas in the region, and residents have been advised to limit travel due to the risk of standing water and potential gas leaks.
As the storm continues to move across the country, officials are urging residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. With high winds, heavy snow, and potential flooding, it is essential to stay informed and prepared for any potential impacts from the storm.
