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February 2024 nor'easter

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February 2024 nor'easter
GOES-16 satellite image of the nor'easter rapidly strengthening near the Northeastern United States at 18:00 UTC (1:00 p.m. EST) on February 13, 2024
Meteorological history
FormedFebruary 10, 2024
Exited landFebruary 13, 2024
DissipatedFebruary 18, 2024
Winter storm
Highest gusts~50 mph (80 km/h) near Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Lowest pressure956 hPa (mbar); 28.23 inHg
Maximum rainfall7.10 in (180 mm) near Avon, Alabama
Maximum snowfall or ice accretion15.7 in (40 cm) in West Hartford, Connecticut
Overall effects
Fatalities1
Areas affectedSouthern United States, Ohio Valley, Northeastern United States
Power outages>176,000
Part of the 2023–24 North American winter

The February 2024 nor'easter was a quick-moving but powerful and disruptive nor'easter that brought widespread effects primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions of the Northeastern United States. Developing from a combination of an upper-level low and an area of low-pressure in the Southwestern United States on February 10, the system first brought heavy snow to the Texas Panhandle the following day. It then moved northeastwards across the Ohio Valley, causing impacts before beginning to consolidate into a more defined low as it approached the East Coast. The system then began rapid deepening as a nor’easter it moved offshore early on February 13, bringing heavy snowfall to much of the Mid-Atlantic. The system departed later that day, but not before bringing impacts to Atlantic Canada before peaking and gradually weakening thereafter, eventually dissipating on February 18.

Many cities in the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic, particularly New York City, were expected to receive the heaviest snowfall accumulation in at least two years due to the nor'easter,[1] although the storm was notable for being difficult to predict in the aforementioned regions in the hours leading up to the event. For example, forecasts for Boston released on the morning of February 12 predicted at least a foot of snow, but when the storm moved through the New England region the following day, it hardly dropped any snow on the city after taking a more southerly course.[2] Flights were cancelled or delayed across the Mid-Atlantic, and millions spanning from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts were placed under winter storm warnings. Over 175,000 people across the Northeast lost power, due to the heavy wet nature of the snow, and the nor'easter was responsible for at least one death so far as of February 13. Separately, the system dumped at least 1 foot (12 in; 30 cm) in parts of Texas and Oklahoma causing severe impacts in the region as well.

Meteorological history

Weather Prediction Center (WPC) graphic showing the track of the low-pressure associated with the storm

The setup for a potential coastal storm in the Northeastern United States was evident as early as the afternoon of February 8.[3] Uncertainties as to how the system would develop, how much cold air would be available and how the upper-level features would evolve in the run up to the event. The primary factors expected in the development of the system involved an upper-level shortwave trough that would eject out of the Southwest, leading to coastal development.[3] By February 10, the aforementioned feature began developing in the Southwest, and due to limited cold air, heavy wet snow affected the northern parts of Texas and Oklahoma. A weak area of low pressure developed along the Gulf Coast and trekked northeastwards throughout February 11–12 across the Southeast as the system as a whole continued eastward.[4] At 09:00 UTC, the Weather Prediction Center deemed it necessary to begin issue storm summary bulletins for the winter storm.[5] At that time, precipitation mostly consisted of rain showers and squalls, with isolated wet snow in the colder regions of the atmosphere near the upper-level low. Later on February 12, a primary low-pressure area began to consolidate in the Tennessee Valley, strengthening as it moved eastwards and as precipitation began to slowly move into the Mid-Atlantic states.[6]

As the system became a nor'easter and moved offshore, rapid deepening – known also as "bombing out" – commenced overnight, with the central pressure falling from 991 mb (29.3 inHg) at 09:00 UTC on February 13 to 964 mb (28.5 inHg) at 03:00 UTC on February 14, a drop of 27 millibars (0.80 inHg) in 18 hours.[7][8] As this process commenced during the early morning hours on February 13, precipitation rapidly switched from rain to heavy snowfall along much of the Mid-Atlantic, with rates approaching 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) per hour in the northwestern and northeastern portions of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively, which led to the heaviest snowfall totals of the event in those areas.[9] The nor'easter moved quickly, with precipitation and snowfall ending across the Mid-Atlantic and eventually New England by evening that day; consequently, the WPC terminated storm summary bulletins for the departing nor'easter at 03:00 UTC on February 14.[10] The system continued to rapidly deepen afterwards as it began impacting Atlantic Canada with heavy snow and gusty winds, peaking at a minimum pressure of 956 mb (28.2 inHg) at 18:00 UTC that day while located south of Nova Scotia.[11] The system slowly began weakening thereafter as it moved further into the North Atlantic Ocean.

Preparations

Northeastern United States

Mid-Atlantic

Winter storm watches and warnings were issued for the impending nor'easter from as far west as central Pennsylvania to the coast of Massachusetts.[1]

Pennsylvania

Vehicle restrictions were poised to go into effect on February 13 in Pennsylvania as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) began actively pre-treating roadways ahead of the storm.[12]

New Jersey and New York
A burst of heavy snow during the nor'easter in central New Jersey

Schools across the state of New Jersey closed or moved classes to remote learning.[13] Despite not declaring a state of emergency, governor Phil Murphy strongly encouraged citizens to remain indoors and to not travel during the morning commute when the heaviest snowfall would be occurring, as well as encouraging to work from home, if possible.[14] Additionally, a commercial vehicle ban was set to go into effect at midnight and state offices were to open on a delayed schedule. Morris County residents were advised to think twice before traveling, and snowplows and equipment were loaded with salt to begin pre-treating major roadways such as Interstate 280 that evening.[15]

In southern New York, where New York City and the surrounding regions and boroughs were expected to receive at least 5–8 inches (13–20 cm) of snow – the heaviest expected for the city since a blizzard in January 2022, schools moved to online learning for February 13.[16] Westchester County declared a state of emergency late on February 12, in order to ensure the safety of its citizens.[17]

New England

Connecticut and Rhode Island

Connecticut closed some of its schools and business for February 13.[18] Governor Ned Lamont also announced that a tractor-trailer ban was going into effect at midnight.[19] In the town of Hartford, approximately 100 crews and thirty trucks were prepared to treat roadways with salt for the storm.[19]

Rhode Island governor Dan McKee also implemented a tractor-trailer ban beginning at midnight as well, while also stating the state government would be closed the following day.[20] The Department of Housing (DOH) said it would be setting up emergency shelters as well as warming centers across the state.[20]

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, schools closed altogether for the following day, and Boston mayor Michelle Wu declared a snow emergency and advised residents to stay off the roads altogether.[21]

Impact

Snowfall from the nor'easter across the Northeastern United States the day after the storm, on February 14

Southern United States

Parts of the states of Texas and Oklahoma received upwards of over 1 foot (12 in; 30 cm) of heavy wet snow in the storm's precursor stage.[22][23] Travel in the town of Plainview, Texas was reportedly "crippled" by 14 in (36 cm) of snow, which became the heaviest snow in the region. Portions of New Mexico received over 6 in (15 cm) of snow as well,[24] and Bandelier National Monument was closed during the storm.[25]

Further east, hail up to 3 in (7.6 cm) affected Louisiana and eastern Texas.[26]

Northeastern United States

Mid-Atlantic

Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey

The highest snowfall total in Delaware was only 2.2 in (5.6 cm).[27]

Over 140,000 customers lost power in Pennsylvania.[28] Heavy snow fell across the northern suburbs of the Philadelphia metropolitan area, with Tobyhanna recording 14.5 in (37 cm) of snow. However, much less snow fell further south, with only 0.6 in (1.5 cm) of snow at Philadelphia International Airport.[27] Interstate 81 was closed near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania after cars got stuck in snow, and heavy snow also shut down parts of Interstate 83.[29] A fatality occurred in York County in a snowmobile crash.[30]

In New Jersey, approximately 13,000 people lost power.[28] In the city of Atlantic City, only trace of snow was recorded.[27] However, snowfall in the state varied widely, as Sussex recorded 15.0 in (38 cm) of snow.[31]

New York

In New York City, snowfall totals reached 3.2 in (8.1 cm) at Central Park, 3.3 in (8.4 cm) at LaGuardia Airport, 4.2 in (11 cm) at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and 4.9 in (12 cm) at Newark Liberty International Airport.[32] Up to 8.7 in (22 cm) of snow fell in portions of Long Island.[33] The snow resulted in numerous subways being delayed, changing from express to local or skipping stops, with the Z Train being suspended altogether. All train services to the World Trade Center was suspended due to a power outage.[34] A ground stop was also briefly imposed at JFK Airport.[35]

New England

In Hartford, Connecticut, small parts of Interstate 91 closed due to a jackknifed tractor trailer.[36] The heaviest snowfall in the region was nearby, with 15.7 in (40 cm) of snow in West Hartford, Connecticut.[37] However, parts of northwestern Connecticut, often the snowiest region of the state, had lower totals around 4 in (10 cm) of snow.[38]

In the state of Massachusetts, over 23,000 customers lost power and snow resulted in Massachusetts Route 28 closing.[39] Despite significant snow in many parts of the state, Boston only received 0.1 in (0.25 cm) of snow.[40]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Carballo, Rebecca; Jones, Judson (February 12, 2024). "Nor'easter Expected to Bring New York City's Heaviest Snow in Over 2 Years". The New York Times. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  2. ^ Jones, Judson; Baker, Camille; Ives, Mike (February 13, 2024). "Fast-Moving Nor'easter Causes Headaches, Not Crippling Snowfall". The New York Times. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "WPC's Extended Forecast Discussion". February 12, 2024. Archived from the original on 2024-02-12.
  4. ^ Service, NOAA's National Weather. "WPC Surface Analysis Archive". www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov.
  5. ^ Asherman, Jacob (February 12, 2024). "Storm Summary Number 1 for Southern Plains to Northeast Winter Storm". Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  6. ^ Service, NOAA's National Weather. "WPC Surface Analysis Archive". www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov.
  7. ^ Service, NOAA's National Weather. "WPC Surface Analysis Archive". www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov.
  8. ^ Service, NOAA's National Weather. "WPC Surface Analysis Archive". www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov.
  9. ^ Wilder, Hayden (February 13, 2024). "Storm Summary Number 4 for Southern Plains to Northeast Winter Storm". Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  10. ^ Asherman, Jacob (February 14, 2024). "Storm Summary Number 5 for Southern Plains to Northeast Winter Storm". Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  11. ^ Service, NOAA's National Weather. "WPC Surface Analysis Archive". www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov.
  12. ^ "Vehicle restrictions set on I-80, I-380, I-84, other highways during winter storm". Ponoco Record.
  13. ^ NJ.com, Chris Sheldon | NJ Advance Media for; NJ.com, Nicolas Fernandes | NJ Advance Media for (February 12, 2024). "N.J. school closings, delayed openings due to heavy snow for Tuesday". nj.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ NJ.com, Len Melisurgo | NJ Advance Media for; NJ.com, Brent Johnson | NJ Advance Media for (February 12, 2024). "Strong winter storm could create 'very hazardous travel conditions' with heavy snow, strong winds". nj.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ "How North Jersey counties are prepping for what could be the season's biggest snowstorm". North Jersey Media Group.
  16. ^ "NYC, Boston Weather Prompts School Closures | Weather.com". The Weather Channel.
  17. ^ "Biggest snowstorm in two years possible for New York as Northeast braces for snow". NBC News. February 12, 2024.
  18. ^ Blonstein, Cailyn; staff • •, NBC Connecticut (February 12, 2024). "Up to a foot of snow is possible Tuesday; dozens of schools announce closures".
  19. ^ a b Jones, Marcy; Polansky, Rob; Galal, Ayah (February 12, 2024). "Fueled up, replenished, and restocked: CT braces for Winter Storm Birch". WFSB.
  20. ^ a b NEWS, NBC 10 (February 12, 2024). "Rhode Island implements tractor-trailer travel ban during snowstorm". WJAR.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ Kazakiewich, Todd (February 12, 2024). "Nor'easter incoming: Boston closes schools, declares snow emergency". WCVB.
  22. ^ Wulfeck, Andrew (February 10, 2024). "Winter storm dumps heavy snow on Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, New Mexico after over a foot piles up in Colorado". FOX Weather.
  23. ^ Voges, Corbin (February 11, 2024). "Heavy snow buries south Texas panhandle". KVII.
  24. ^ Voges, Corbin (February 11, 2024). "Heavy snow buries south Texas panhandle". ABC 7 Amarillo. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  25. ^ Winter Storm System Hits Eastern New Mexico, Headed Next to Texas Panhandle and Central Oklahoma, US News, February 11, 2024
  26. ^ The Daily Weather Update from FOX Weather: Nor'easter threatens millions in Northeast with plowable snow, Fox Weather, February 12, 2024
  27. ^ a b c "How much snow fell by you? Some spots in Pa. get a foot of snow". NBC Philadelphia. February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  28. ^ a b https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2024-02-12-new-york-boston-schools-closed-snow-noreaster
  29. ^ "I-81 shut down after Cumberland County drivers become stuck in snow". PennLive. February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  30. ^ "One dead in York County snowmobile crash". ABC27. February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  31. ^ N.J. weather: Updated snowfall totals for 18 counties. These towns got the most snow., NJ.com, February 14, 2024
  32. ^ "Winter storm live updates: Heavy snow hits the Northeast, bringing travel hazards and nearly 1,500 flight cancellations". NBC News. February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  33. ^ Major winter storm departs from Long Island, nearly 9 inches dropped on North Shore, Newsday, February 13, 2024
  34. ^ "NYC winter storm: here's the full list of MTA subway and bus disruptions". Timeout. February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  35. ^ Nor’easter Causes Major Travel Disruptions Across the United States, Esta America, February 13, 2024
  36. ^ Knox, Matthew (February 13, 2024). "Jackknifed tractor-trailer closes I-91 in Hartford". CTInsider. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  37. ^ "Winter Storm Lorraine Now Departing After Dropping A Foot Of Snow On Parts Of The Northeast". The Weather Channel. February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  38. ^ Freezing temperatures in CT tonight after winter storm dumps over a foot of snow in some areas, CT Insider, February 13, 2024
  39. ^ "Thousands without power as nor'easter slams southern New England". NBC Boston. February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  40. ^ NYC has snowiest day in 2 years after winter storm strikes Northeast, Axios, February 14, 2024
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