The northeastern United States is preparing for what could be the largest nor’easter snowstorm in two years, with New York City public schools transitioning to remote learning on Tuesday due to predictions of up to 8 inches of snow.
Meteorologists forecast snowfall rates of 2 inches per hour from eastern Pennsylvania to Massachusetts, with the heaviest snow expected during Tuesday morning’s rush hour.
Areas including eastern Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, northern Connecticut, and Rhode Island could experience snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour.
As of Monday, 49 million people were under winter weather alerts stretching from the central Plains and Midwest to the Northeast and New England due to a weather system advancing from Oklahoma and Missouri.
Winter storm brings severe weather alerts; 49 million under winter warnings and flood alerts.Severe thunderstorms and a tornado watch were also reported in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle, with approximately 17 million people under flood alerts.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has warned that the city might see 5 to 8 inches of snow, potentially with higher amounts, prompting the decision for remote learning in public schools.
Officials anticipate 40 mph winds and possible thundersnow at sunrise. If snowfall exceeds 6 inches, it will mark the largest snowstorm for the city since January 2022.
The term “nor’easter” refers to storms with heavy, wet snow that move north along the East Coast, creating strong winds from the northeast, according to the National Weather Service.