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Be prepared: Monster blizzard could slam Northeast

Be prepared: Monster blizzard could slam Northeast

How May I Help You NC · Thursday, February 7th 2013 at 2:53PM · 2358 views
By David Ariosto, CNN

A blizzard is expected to hit the Northeastern U.S. Are you there? Send in time-lapse videos and photographs of the storm. But please stay safe

New York (CNN) -- Two ferocious storm systems are expected to converge overnight across the Northeast and create what could be a historic blizzard for parts of the region.

A wintery blast churning across the country Thursday and a cold front barreling up and along the East Coast will unite, and potentially dump up as much as a foot of snow in New York and up to three feet in Boston.

"If you are on the highway and you are stuck, you are putting yourself in danger," said CNN Meteorologist Chad Myers.

Boston could see snowfall of 2 to 3 inches per hour, and 24 inches within 24 hours, as frigid gusts swirl across the region. The system has already drawn comparisons to the so-called "Great Blizzard" of 1978, when thousands were stranded as fast-moving snow drifts blanketed highways and left several people dead.

A fleet of 600 snow removers will be manned by municipal workers and contractors in Boston as authorities gear up for what they say could be a 36-hour storm.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino called it "a very serious storm" and urged residents to use public transportation if they have to travel into the city.

"We are hearty New Englanders and used to these kinds of storms, but I also want to remind people to use common sense and stay off the streets," he said.

Meanwhile, residents stocked up after authorities announced that public schools would not hold classes on Friday.

"They're coming in buying shovels, ice melts and sleds," said Atown Shipman, who works at Back Bay Hardware in Boston.

Social media was also abuzz with chatter about the incoming weather.

"Just a reminder of what the ground looks like in case anyone forgets in a couple of days," tweeted Ryan Pickering, after posting a close-up photo of a Rhode Island roadway.

Massachusetts Emergency Management officials said Thursday that they were busy salting roadways in preparation for the incoming storm.

"Travel may become nearly impossible with blowing/drifting snow and near zero visibility during the height of the storm (Friday afternoon into Saturday morning)," the agency said in a statement. "Motorized vehicles are asked to stay off the roads if they can during the storm to allow snow plows to clear the roads."

In New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said his city was also getting ready, and that the timing of the storm could actually benefit municipal workers.


More:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/07/us/northeast...

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Comments (9)

How May I Help You NC Thursday, February 7th 2013 at 2:55PM

We hope everyone stays in a safe place during the expected snow storms. Do not travel on the roads
if you don't have to.

How May I Help You NC Thursday, February 7th 2013 at 2:58PM

How do you prepare for flooding?

MIISRAEL Bride Thursday, February 7th 2013 at 8:50PM

Never really can prepare for floods or any natural disaster...But it helps to have life jackets, boat, and basic good weather warnings--add to that some inflatiable & unsinkable prayers!

Steve Williams Thursday, February 7th 2013 at 9:01PM

And here I am stuck in California.

Steve Williams Thursday, February 7th 2013 at 9:03PM

Really, I like the snow. I like the rain too. People think I'm crazy.

Steve Williams Thursday, February 7th 2013 at 9:05PM

Bet think about a heavy snow like that, it gets so quiet, so peaceful.

MIISRAEL Bride Thursday, February 7th 2013 at 9:27PM

@Steve..I like snow and the rain .. You're not crazy..you're a spirit of cosmic nature and you can observe the peace in beauty of the elements. Such things are lovely I guess I'm crazy too! I like hot summer days! Ha!

Steve Williams Thursday, February 7th 2013 at 9:37PM

And who doesn't love a crisp autumn day or a glorious warm spring day? The one after the heat of summer, the other after the cold of winter.

MIISRAEL Bride Thursday, February 7th 2013 at 9:43PM

Ditto!

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