Despite the official start of spring, winter weather gripped much of the U.S. over the weekend, affecting New England and California with a mix of rain, snow, and strong winds. The storm, which began on Saturday, dumped over 2 feet of snow in parts of New England, leading to numerous road accidents, power outages, and extensive damage.
In New England, the aftermath of the storm left hundreds of thousands without power. Central Maine Power faced dangerous conditions as they worked overnight to secure downed power lines and respond to emergencies.
By Sunday morning, power restoration efforts began, with a multi-day recovery expected in the hardest-hit areas. The storm’s severity was reflected in the significant damage to trees, poles, and wires, prompting Central Maine Power to mobilize 150 pre-staged crews and bring in an additional 200.
West Coast faces strong winds and heavy snowfall, with another storm system on the way.Meteorologist Zack Taylor noted that the heavy snowfall affected upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, with some areas experiencing snowfall over 30 inches. This storm was among the most substantial of the winter for many regions. While traffic accidents and icy roads caused chaos, skiers and cold-weather enthusiasts found some joy in the snowfall.
In major cities like Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, heavy rain and flooding were prominent issues. New York City saw more than 75,000 power outages, with flooding impacting subway services and closing parts of the Cross Island Parkway.
Out west, the Sierra Nevada faced a winter storm warning, with high winds and significant snowfall recorded near Mammoth Mountain.
The National Weather Service warned of another strong storm system developing, which is expected to bring heavy snow across the Rockies and Plains, and potentially impact northern Arizona with additional snow and wind.