Winter Storm Pax continued its second wave of wintry weather
Wednesday, dumping freezing rain and sleet across a wide area that could
experience catastrophic conditions for a prolonged period of time."Winds are gusting as over 30 miles per hour in some locations, and that combined with the ice on the trees is really ramping up the power outages," said Tom Niziol, winter weather expert for The Weather Channel. "I expect to see them become more and more widespread throughout the day."
In North Carolina, snowfall led to a disastrous commute Wednesday afternoon in Raleigh and Charlotte. Cars slid off roads and heavy traffic led to gridlock, forcing some drivers to sit in hours of slow commutes or abandon their cars, producing scenes similar to those in Atlanta a few weeks ago.
The National Weather Service also warned to "expect significant – crippling – ice totals from Atlanta eastward along the I-20 corridor.” In the Carolinas, snow fell Wednesday in areas expecting to see as much as 18 inches of accumulation from Pax.
At least eight deaths were
already blamed on the storm: one in North Carolina, on in South
Carolina, two in Mississippi and four in Texas. More than 3,000 flights
were canceled Wednesday in the U.S., including 75 percent of all flights
out of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. More than
325,000 customers have lost power across the Southeast.Below is our rundown of the latest news from each state that will be affected by Pax.
Alabama
A winter storm warning covered almost the entire northern half of Alabama Wednesday and many schools, businesses and public facilities were closed or opened late. Light rain began falling in Huntsville around 1:30 a.m. while sleet had already formed in Florence. In a winter weather message, the National Weather Service in Birmingham announced that an ice storm warning is in effect for Cleburne and Randolph counties.At least 15 shelters opened in seven counties but Gov. Robert Bentley's office said no one was in them, the Associated Press reports. Trucks spread sand and salty water on roads to prevent icing. Alabama Power didn't report any electrical outages from the weather. According to social media reports, a quarter of an inch of ice accretion was observed in Center Point and Tarrant, while ice totals elsewhere remained lower.
Georgia
Reports of downed trees and power outages began to trickle in Wednesday morning around the Atlanta area as ice began sticking to trees and other elevated surfaces. In Clayton County, where freezing rain was being reported, reports were submitted of trees and power lines collapsing, and at least one-third of that county's residents had lost power by mid-morning. Across Georgia, more than 135,000 customers are without power. Authorities have ordered all residents in the Atlanta area to shelter in place Wednesday and stay off the roads.In eastern Georgia, conditions were already dangerous Wednesday morning in and around Augusta, where nearly a half-inch of ice accretion had occurred on trees and power lines – enough to cause widespread damage. Those areas could receive as much as an inch of ice, which would likely have catastrophic impacts on the power grid.
That region, with a population of about half a million people, is reporting more than 6,000 customers without power, according to an AJC.com report. That number is expected to rise dramatically as the event unfolds.
"People who think they can drive on ice are probably sadly mistaken," said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal.
President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency in Georgia, ordering federal agencies to help the state and local response during the storm. Deal requested in a Wednesday afternoon press conference that the declaration expand to 89 counties. Deal also said 1,000 National Guard soldiers have been mobilized, and new supplies of salt and sand are on the way to replenish the state's supply. State government will be closed on Thursday.
Several school districts – Atlanta, Decatur, Forsyth and Cherokee – canceled classes for Thursday. And there’s plenty of uncertainty about Friday, as well.
MARTA, the city's public transportation, canceled bus service Wednesday. Light rail will run on weekend schedules. Officials say the agency's decision to cut bus service is in line with Deal's request for drivers to stay off the roads so Department of Transportation crews and others can spread road treatment materials. Area schools closed for the same reason. For a full list of school closures, click HERE.
More than 200 trucks from throughout the Southeast were made available to start restoring power. Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) also announced that it is deploying 300 employees and contractors to Georgia in support of power restoration activity anticipated in the wake of Pax.
Around a foot of snow could fall in some parts of the northeast Georgia mountains, but it is the ice to the south that will have the "catastrophic impacts."
Louisiana
Freezing rain is causing extensive outages in Cleco's service territory in central Louisiana. Officials say trees and tree limbs incased in ice are falling, causing more than 44,000 outages statewide. The hardest hit areas are Rapides, Avoyelles and Grant parishes. Anthony Bunting, vice president of transmission and distribution operations, said in a news release there were more than 18,500 outages in Rapides, 7,000 in Avoyelles and 1,200 in Grant parishes. Bunting had no estimate when power would be restored. Gov. Bobby Jindal issued a statewide emergency declaration ahead of Winter Storm Pax.Maryland
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley declared a state of emergency Tuesday as the state’s emergency management agency, MEMA, urged residents to prepare for a winter storm to hit the state late Wednesday."This is going to be a nasty, wet, icy event here in Maryland that will go on for 24 hours," O'Malley said. "If you do not have to travel, don't travel."
MEMA warned residents that the incoming storm could dump the heaviest snows the state has seen in an already rough season. Snowfall will vary across the state, with the western regions receiving 3-5 inches beginning this evening and as much as 5 to 8 inches through tomorrow. Annapolis is expected to receive 4 to 6 inches of snow throughout the night, giving way to a wintry mix throughout Thursday, while Ocean City and other coastal areas will see a mix of rain and snow.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport is open with clear roadways as the storm begins to affect some flights.
Power company Potomac Edison says snow isn't as damaging as ice, the AP reports, but trees and branches already damaged last week could be brought down by snow. O'Malley says the power grid that supplies the state with electricity is experiencing an extra burden from cold temperatures, and he's urging residents to conserve power. The state has been in touch with utility companies, which have been bringing in crews in preparation of power outages.
The governor also is recommending people avoid driving after 10 p.m. Wednesday, when storm is expected to start. Howard County and Prince George’s County schools have canceled evening activities.
Mississippi
A chain-reaction accident has shut down the icy Mississippi River bridge on Interstate 20 at Vicksburg, Miss. The accident occurred around 4 a.m. Wednesday when an 18-wheeler skidded on the ice and crashed into a railing. At least four other tractor-trailer rigs were involved in the accident. There was no immediate report on injuries. Louisiana state police say the tanker is leaking an unidentified flammable liquid and the four-lane bridge was closed in each direction. The bridge runs between Vicksburg, Miss., and Delta, La. The bridge is expected to be closed for several hours. At least two traffic fatalities in north Mississippi on Tuesday were attributed to the storm system. The National Weather Service says a winter storm warning remains in effect for northeast Mississippi until 6 p.m. Wednesday.New York
A winter storm warning will go into effect in New York City and surrounding areas beginning at midnight tonight as the state prepares for heavy snow into Friday. The area could also experience minor coastal flooding through Friday morning, particularly in Long Island. Snow is expected to start falling in the city this evening, with accumulations totally 1 to 3 inches today and 3 to 5 inches tomorrow. Albany and other regions further north should start seeing snow early Thursday morning, with accumulations of 1 to 3 inches.North Carolina
Charlotte and Raleigh were experiencing major traffic delays and slowdowns Wednesday afternoon as residents attempted to leave work and get home before conditions worsened. In Charlotte, drivers were seen abandoning their cars and walking down interstates in a similar manner to the Winter Storm Leon shutdown of Atlanta just weeks ago.“We know it’s coming. Take precautions right now. Don’t wait,” Gov. Pat McCrory urged residents during a press conference on Wednesday morning. “Don’t put your stupid hat on” and be caught by surprise, he added.
Pax Coats NC in Ice
“We don't want anyone to get out there and be misled, because right now the streets look OK," said Charlotte mayor Patrick Cannon earlier Wednesday. "But we would warn the public, please don't get led into a false sense of security. Once that snow starts to fall, it's going to fall rapidly – potentially an inch an hour, or so we understand – and you could very well find yourself in an accident … or of course you could be stuck in your vehicle, and that's something we don't want to have happen.”
More than 75,000 people are without power across the state.
US Airways canceled more than 150 flights at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, almost a quarter of its total at the airport, and expected to cancel more Wednesday and Thursday. Amtrak has halted train service Wednesday afternoon between Charlotte and Raleigh. Follow traffic conditions on the DOT’s Traffic Information Management System website.
In North Carolina, 23-year-old Breanna Lynn Tile was killed Tuesday when the car she was riding in went off a snow-covered road outside Aberdeen and struck a tree, the Highway Patrol said. The driver of the car was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Pennsylvania
Winter-weary Pennsylvanians were bracing themselves Wednesday for Winter Storm Pax, which could bring up to a foot of snow and high winds. Pax comes on the heels of Winter Storm Nika, which left thousands without power last week. Even as the last customers' power was restored, officials warned of the possibility of widespread power outages again.Forecasters said travel could be significantly affected and urged commuters to take extra time and reduce speeds. The state is stepping in to make sure Pennsylvania municipalities that have already had a hard winter don't run out of salt to treat the roads, the Patriot News reports. Ahead of the storm, school districts were announcing closures across the state. For a full list, click here.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said the city has gotten twice as much snow as usual this year with 43 inches so far. If this storm dumps more than 6 inches on the city, it will be the first time in recorded history that Philadelphia has seen four 6-inch storms in a single season. Nutter has declared a state of emergency for the city, effective as of 8 p.m. Wednesday night
21 tractor-trailers loaded with generators from the federal government were in place outside Philadelphia, waiting to be deployed as needed. 450 National Guard members were being called to duty Wednesday night.
South Carolina
Nearly 175,000 electric customers across South Carolina are in the dark as Winter Storm Pax moved through the state with snow, sleet and ice, and one person has died as a result of the storm.Gov. Nikki Haley said a woman was killed on Interstate 95 in Clarendon County.
Emergency officials fear the situation will get worse before the storm moves out of the state Thursday. The Upstate and the mountains were expecting as much as 10 inches of snow. Snowfall totals were expected to be less moving southward toward the Midlands, where sleet and freezing rain were falling.
Winter Storm Pax in South Carolina
Haley is asking the federal government to declare South Carolina a federal disaster area. The governor's office says the disaster request is a pre-emptive measure that will allow the state to get help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency such as food and generators to help in the storm recovery. The federal government would pay 75 percent of the cost.
In Charleston, the towering Ravenel Bridge across the Cooper River was closed because of ice as it was two weeks ago. Two other tall bridges in the Charleston area were also shut down. Schools and government offices were closed in most counties across the state.
The SEC basketball game between the University of South Carolina and Vanderbilt, scheduled for Wednesday night in Columbia, was postponed until Thursday.
Tennessee
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam declared a state of emergency Wednesday afternoon.Rain and snow will change over to all snow by this afternoon. NOAA reports 3 to 6 inches possible over the valleys, 5 to 8 inches along the foothills and up to 11 inches along the mountains. A winter weather advisory remains in effect for western and central Tennessee. The western part of the state, near Memphis, should expect light amounts of sleet and ice and up to 2 inches of snow. Central Tennessee, around the metro Nashville area, is seeing freezing rain, sleet and snow this morning, with about 1 inch of accumulation expected. The greatest accumulation, up to 3 inches, will come in the southeastern part of the state near the Alabama border, with higher amounts possible in the state’s extreme east.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation is reporting patches of snow and ice in Bradley, Hamilton and Polk counties in the eastern part of the state, and are advising motorists use caution. State Route 71, between the North Carolina-Tennessee border is currently closed. For a complete road advisory listing, click here.
Several counties in Tennessee decided Tuesday afternoon to close school Wednesday in anticipation of the storm. For a full list of closings, click here. The Nashville Airport has canceled 11 percent of its flights and 10 percent are experiencing delays. The Memphis Airport has canceled 3 percent of its flights, with 2 percent experiencing delays.
Texas
Officials say a Dallas firefighter died Monday night after falling from an icy highway overpass while crews responded to a traffic accident. The victim was William Tanksley. Three other people were killed in three separate accidents in the Dallas area between Monday night and Tuesday morning, reports DallasNews.com.
Virginia
Roanoke could see six inches or more, while other locations in western Virginia could pick up over a foot of snow. Flights leaving from the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport for Atlanta and Charlotte have been canceled for today, according to WSLS 10. Many people were left stranded in Atlanta airports during Winter Storm Nika, something officials want to avoid with Winter Storm Pax. Meanwhile, the City of Roanoke has alerted residents to help crews clear city streets by parking in driveways or on one side of the street. City officials remind citizens to call 211 for questions about snow removal or general information about weather-related conditions. Gov Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency Tuesday ahead of the storm.In Richmond and eastern Virgina, many schools, community buildings and government locations have been closed or will operate on an abbreviated schedule today. Several public and private schools will close early. NBC12 has full lists of community closings and school closings.
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital will be under a winter storm warning beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday night as the city braces for 4 to 6 inches of snow to hit starting in the evening, with an additional 2 to 4 inches of accumulation Thursday. The city is declaring its first snow emergency since 2010, which will go into effect at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to keep designated emergency routes cleared. Anyone parked in an emergency lane will be towed and fined $250.Both Dulles International Airport and Reagan National Airport are open, but are expecting “major flight cancellations” on Thursday during the peak of the storm.
West Virginia
Winter Storm Pax will be affecting parts of West Virginia with heavy snow Wednesday night into Thursday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 5 p.m. Wednesday until 4 p.m. Thursday for the southeastern portion of Virginia and the central West Virginia mountains, including the cities of Elkins, Lewisburg and Snowshoe. These areas can expect heavy snow with accumulations of 5 to 9 inches. The National Weather Service warns drivers to stay off the roads because these conditions could result in hazardous travel conditions and some power outages from downed tree branches. Morgantown, Clarksburg and Charleston are under a winter weather advisory on from 5 p.m. Wednesday until 4 p.m. Thursday with the possibility of snow accumulations reaching 2 to 4 inches and causing hazardous travel conditions.
Several cities that expect to be impacted by Winter
Storm Pax have closed schools or put the schools on two-hour delays. The
following counties are reporting school closings or delays: Braxton,
Cabell, Grant, Lincoln, Mercer, Preston, Summers, and Upshur. For a
complete list of closings, delays and early dismissals, visit the West Virginia Department of Education website.
No comments:
Post a Comment