A major winter storm, dubbed Hernando, is currently impacting a vast swath of the East Coast, bringing with it blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, and dangerously strong winds. The storm, stretching from the mid-Atlantic states to New England, is causing widespread disruptions to travel and power infrastructure as of .
Storm Intensification and Projected Impacts
The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings covering approximately 41 million people, extending from Maryland to Maine. Forecasters predict snowfall totals could reach up to two feet in some areas, coupled with wind gusts as high as 70 mph. These conditions are creating dangerous whiteout situations, significantly reducing visibility and making travel extremely hazardous. The storm is intensifying and is expected to evolve into a “bomb cyclone,” a term used to describe a rapidly strengthening storm.
The severity of the storm has prompted states of emergency declarations in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. These declarations authorize officials to implement travel restrictions, including commercial vehicle bans, to prioritize public safety. New York City has implemented a travel ban for non-essential vehicles, beginning at 9 p.m. ET on , with officials suggesting the storm could rank among the city’s ten worst in the past 150 years.
Transportation Disruptions
The impact on transportation networks is substantial. NJ Transit has suspended all rail services, and the Long Island Rail Road plans a systemwide suspension starting at 1 a.m. ET. Numerous school districts, including those in New York City and Boston, have announced school closures for . Thousands of flights have been canceled nationwide, with airports in the New York area, particularly JFK, experiencing the most significant disruptions.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Concerns
The combination of heavy snow and strong winds is posing a significant threat to power infrastructure. As of this morning, more than 100,000 utility customers across the Northeast are already without power, and that number is expected to rise as the storm intensifies. The potential for widespread and prolonged power outages is a major concern, particularly given the frigid temperatures accompanying the storm.
Regional Conditions and Snowfall Rates
As of late Sunday evening, parts of Long Island had already received nearly a foot of snow. Across New York City, accumulations ranged from 5 to 7 inches, with snowfall rates expected to increase to over 2 inches per hour after 3 a.m. ET. The current radar shows the storm tracking northward along the East Coast, with the most intense snowfall occurring in coastal areas.
Beyond the Immediate Storm: The Threat of Black Ice
Meteorologists are warning that the dangers won’t subside with the passage of the storm. The threat of black ice will persist for days after Hernando moves on. The substantial snowfall will take time to melt, and any partial melting followed by freezing temperatures will create a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on roads, bridges, and overpasses. This poses a significant risk to drivers, even after the storm has officially ended. Careful driving and awareness of potential icy conditions will be crucial in the days following the storm.
Coastal Flooding and Wind Impacts
In addition to heavy snow and power outages, Winter Storm Hernando is also bringing the threat of coastal flooding and damaging winds. The strong winds, gusting up to 70 mph, are capable of downing trees and power lines, further exacerbating the risk of power outages. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to flooding due to the combination of high winds and storm surge.
Current Radar and Tracking Information
Current radar imagery indicates the storm is continuing its northward trajectory. The severity index highlights the areas most likely to experience blizzard conditions, with the highest risk concentrated along the coast. Updates to these maps are being provided frequently as the storm evolves. The storm is expected to impact over 70 million people from the mid-Atlantic states through New England.
Long-Term Recovery Efforts
Even as the storm begins to move away, recovery efforts will be extensive. Plow drivers are already preparing for a multi-day effort to clear roads, and utility crews will be working to restore power to affected areas. The long-term impact of the storm will depend on the extent of the damage and the speed of the recovery process. The potential for significant economic disruption is high, given the widespread travel cancellations and business closures.
