March 2023 North American winter storm
It has been suggested that this article be merged with 2022–23 North American winter. (Discuss) Proposed since November 2024. |
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | March 9, 2023 |
Dissipated | March 17, 2023 |
Category 2 "Minor" winter storm | |
Regional Snowfall Index: 3.64 (NOAA) | |
Maximum rainfall | 13 in (330 mm) King City, California |
Maximum snowfall or ice accretion | 42.1 in (107 cm) in Readsboro, Vermont |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 3 |
Injuries | 2 |
Damage | $215 million (2023 USD)[1] |
Areas affected | Western, Northern and Northeastern United States |
Power outages | >320,000 |
Part of the 2022–23 North American winter |
A winter storm in March 2023 impacted much of the Western, Northern, and Northeastern United States, producing high snowfall totals and widespread damage across the region. The winter storm, unofficially named Winter Storm Sage by The Weather Channel, first progressed across the Western United States as an atmospheric river, and then moved across the northern United States, bringing blizzard conditions and moderate snowfall across the Northern U.S..[2] The winter storm then became a nor'easter and impacted the Northeast, bringing snowfall rates of 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) per hour across numerous locations across the Northeast and 3 feet (36 in) of snow in several locations across the region with locally higher amounts.[3] More than 320,000 power outages occurred across the areas impacted by the winter storm, and caused three fatalities and two injuries. Readsboro, Vermont received 42.1 inches (107 cm) of snow,[4] and nearly 200 car accidents occurred across the New England region in the Northeast.
Meteorological synopsis
[edit]On March 10, a frontal system moved eastward across the western U.S. from the Pacific Northwest, with the main low pressure area associated with the system located offshore of southwestern Washington and a separate area of low-pressure east of the California/Nevada border.[5] As a result, an atmospheric river developed, bringing heavy rainfall and high snow accumulations to portions of the Western United States and Sierra Nevada.[2] The atmospheric river then transitioned into a winter storm as it then moved across the northern United States on March 11–12, bringing blizzard conditions and moderate snowfall across the Northern United States, producing additional snowfall accumulations across the region.[2] The winter storm then became a nor'easter as another low-pressure area developed off the Carolina coast and moved northward along the coastline of the Northeastern United States, bringing snowfall rates of 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) per hour across numerous locations across the Northeast for the next several days.[3] The winter storm brought 3 feet (36 in) of snow in some locations across the Northeastern United States, with locally higher amounts.[6] The winter storm then moved offshore on March 15, dissipating two days later.[7][8]
Preparations
[edit]California governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for 34 counties in the state.[9] Governor Newsom also requested an emergency declaration for the state, which was accepted by United States president Joe Biden.[9] A rare level 4/high risk of excessive rainfall was issued by the Weather Prediction Center for portions of the state.[9] More than 25 million people were placed under a flood watch in California, and several ski resorts closed in California in anticipation of heavy snowfall.[9] In neighboring Nevada, governor Joe Lombardo issued a state of emergency for three counties in the state, which was later expanded to eight more counties.[10][11]
On March 13, New York governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and a travel ban for several counties in New York.[6] The Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York City shut down walkways on the Cross Bay Bridge and Marine Parkway–Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge, and monitored to see if other bridges, subways or buses needed to be shut down.[12]
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont banned all tractor-trailers on Interstate 84 in the early morning hours on March 14 in preparation for the storm.[13][14] Maine Governor Janet Mills ordered all government offices to close.[15]
Prior to the winter storm, Jon Palmer of the National Weather Service office in Gray, Maine, stated that the precipitation may cause significant power disruptions that last for over 48 hours.[16] Cornell University shut down on March 14 in preparation for the snow.[17] The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories from Pennsylvania to Maine.[18]
Impact
[edit]Western United States
[edit]The strong atmospheric river that developed into the winter storm impacted California on March 10, producing heavy rainfall which caused flooding across lower elevations of the state, and heavy snowfall which brought high snowfall totals across the Sierra Nevada mountains.[9] A road leading to the town of Soquel collapsed due to flooding after a pipe failure, and widespread flooding and strong winds led to separated roads, collapsed bridges, and downed trees in Tulare County while a rare flash flood emergency was in effect there.[9][19] The San Lorenzo River crested, which prompted evacuation orders for Soquel Village, Paradise Park, and Felton Grove as several other rivers also crested to above flood levels.[20] Nearly 60 people were evacuated from a RV park near Sanger,[21] and several people and animals were also rescued across San Luis Obispo County. Twenty-five "weather-related incidents", including several water rescues, occurred across the city of Fresno.[20] Across the state, widespread amounts of 3–10 inches (76–254 mm) of rain fell, with locally higher amounts of up to nearly 13 inches (330 mm) of rainfall in King City.[22][23] A levee was breached due to a swollen Pajaro River, which flooded Pajaro entirely, with the California Army National Guard rescuing more than 200 people there.[23] An evacuation order was also given for portions of Cambria due to flooding.[24] Several homes were flooded after the Tule River overflowed its banks, and to prevent flooding, the Folsom Dam released 30,000 cubic feet (850,000 L) of water every second in Sacramento County.[25] Portions of California State Route 1 and California State Route 12 were closed, and several people evacuated in Watsonville after flooding ensued across portions of the city.[26][27] Heavy rainfall closed several public parks, including Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park.[25] California State Route 84 between Portola Road and Skyline Boulevard was closed indefinitely due to damage from a landslide,[27] resulting in the road buckling and leaving behind large cracks.[28] Nearly 9,400 people were placed under evacuation orders. Across the state, 55,000 power outages occurred, and one person was killed and one person was injured after a portion of the roof of a warehouse collapsed.[29] The heavy snowfall across the Sierra Nevada mountain range led to collapsed roofs across South Lake Tahoe.[30] In California, damages from the atmospheric river amounted to more than $3 million.[31]
In neighboring Nevada, a portion of U.S. Route 95 was shut down between Schurz and Hawthorne.[11] The town of Mount Charleston received 1.38 inches (35 mm) of rain, and the visitor center at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area recorded a 52 miles per hour (84 km/h) wind gust.[11] In Nevada, flood and winter weather impacts resulted in more than $12 million in property damages.[32]
Northern United States
[edit]North Dakota
[edit]On March 11, blizzard conditions occurred across portions of the state, which forced closures on Interstate 94 between Jamestown and Dickinson, as well as on U.S. Route 52.[33][34] Near Park River, 14 inches (36 cm) of snow fell,[35] and nearly 6 inches (15 cm) of snowfall accumulated in Bismarck.[36][37] Several vehicles were stuck on portions of North Dakota Highway 36,[37] and a no travel advisory around the Grand Forks area.[38] Travel was also significantly impacted on Interstate 94 west of Fargo, Interstate 29 between Fargo and Grand Forks, and U.S. Route 2.[35] In McKenzie County, there were $200,000 in property damages, and one person was killed after his vehicle crashed into a semi-trailer truck; the driver of the semi-trailer was also injured.[39]
Minnesota and Wisconsin
[edit]In Minnesota, high snowfall totals were observed across northern portions of the state, with a weather station recording 18.5 inches (47 cm) west of Two Harbors.[35][40] Blizzard conditions also occurred in Detroit Lakes.[35] A mall in Duluth had its roof collapse due to the weight of the snow.[41]
In Wisconsin, the highest snowfall totals were recorded mainly across northern and eastern portions of the state, with 22 inches (56 cm) of snowfall near Cornucopia and Sheboygan receiving 13.2 inches (34 cm) of snow.[42][43] Due to the high snow accumulations, several schools were closed or delayed opening hours across the state.[43]
Northeastern United States
[edit]During the storm, 284,000 customers lost power across the Northeast,[44] and low visibility led to over 200 car crashes in New England.[45]
New England
[edit]High snow accumulations occurred across mainly southern portions of Vermont, with Readsboro receiving 42.1 inches (107 cm) of snow and Landgrove recording 40 inches (100 cm) of snowfall.[4][6][46] Several car accidents occurred across the state.[47] Nearly 30,000 power outages occurred across Vermont, including nearly 25 percent of Brattleboro, where more than 30 roads were closed.[47]
In New Hampshire, snow and ice resulted in the Piscataqua River Bridge being shut down for around an hour, and Interstate 93 was shut down temporarily due to downed power lines caused by the winter storm.[48][45][6] A sportsdome in Goffstown deflated after 16 inches (41 cm) of snow fell there.[49] Whiteout conditions occurred on portions of New Hampshire Route 101, and more than 120 vehicle accidents occurred.[6] Nearly 70 towns postponed elections,[6] and one girl was injured after a tree fell on her in Derry.[15] More than 73,000 power outages occurred across the state,[44] and a 66 miles per hour (106 km/h) wind gust was recorded at Mount Washington Observatory.[50]
Several locations in eastern Massachusetts experienced wind gusts of over 50 miles per hour (80 km/h), with Rockport recording the highest wind gust in the state, at 63 miles per hour (101 km/h).[50] Downed trees and power lines occurred across the state, including in Pittsfield.[51] Several cows were killed after a barn collapsed after high snowfall accumulations in Dracut.[6][52] In Colrain, 36 inches (91 cm) of snow fell, and in Peterboro, 35 inches (89 cm) of snow fell.[53][6] More than 50,000 power outages occurred across Massachusetts.[44] As a result of the winter storm, a state of emergency was declared for several jurisdictions across the state.[54] The winter storm was the most impactful in the state of the 2022–23 North American winter.[55]
More than 15,000 power outages occurred in Maine, and an additional 13,000 outages occurred in Connecticut.[44] Bradley International Airport closed and cancelled 40% of their flights for that day.[56]
New York
[edit]A Delta plane skidded off the runway at Syracuse Hancock Airport.[57] Near Palenville, 36 inches (91 cm) of snow fell, and Stony Creek and Moriah received the same amount.[6] Over 100,000 people in the Albany, New York metropolitan area lost power.[58] Farther south, the nor'easter forced a ground stop at LaGuardia Airport.[59] Portions of Long Island received up to 2.2 inches (5.6 cm) of snowfall.[60] Very little snow fell in New York City, with Central Park receiving only a trace of snow, and LaGuardia and Kennedy Airport receiving just 0.1 inches (0.25 cm) of snow.[60] Wind gusts reached as high as 50 mph (80 km/h) in Midtown Manhattan.[61] However, very heavy snow fell in the Hudson Valley, with the Mount Carmel District recording 17 inches (43 cm) of snow and with over 6 inches (15 cm) of snow falling in portions of Westchester.[62] More than 73,000 power outages occurred across the state, which led to more than 8,000 utility crews deployed to assist with power restoration.[44]
Elsewhere
[edit]Heavy rain fell throughout the New York metropolitan area, accumulating up to 4.12 inches (105 mm) of rainfall in Higganum, Connecticut.[63] While portions of New Jersey received over 8 inches (20 cm) of snow,[64] very little snow fell close to the coast in lower elevations, with Newark, New Jersey recording 0.4 inches (1.0 cm) of snow.[60] Wind gusts in New Jersey reached as high as 54 mph (87 km/h) in Beach Haven, with a 44 mph (71 km/h) gust occurring in Newark.[62] More than 12,000 customers lost power in Pennsylvania as snow fell across western and northeastern portions of the state, including the Pittsburgh and Scranton areas.[4][44]
References
[edit]- ^ Global Catastrophe Recap First Half of 2023 Archived 2023-08-21 at the Wayback Machine, Aon Benfield
- ^ a b c "Winter Storm Sage Dumped Heavy Snow In The West, Plains, Midwest And Northeast (Recap)". Weather Underground. March 14, 2023. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ a b "March 13-15, 2023 Nor'easter". National Weather Service Albany, New York. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Winter Storm Sage Recap". The Weather Channel. March 15, 2023. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
- ^ "Storm Summary Message". National Centers for Environmental Prediction. March 10, 2023. Archived from the original on July 7, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Brackett, Ron (March 15, 2023). "Winter Storm Sage: Northeast, New England Begin To Dig Out". Weather Underground. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ Livingston, Ian (March 15, 2023). "Northeast snowstorm tops 40 inches in spots as gusty winds hamper cleanup". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ "BWK-FU/Berlin". www.wetterpage.de. March 17, 2023. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f Elassar, Alaa; Elamroussi, Aya; Sutton, Joe; Cheri, Mossberg (March 10, 2023). "2 dead, nearly 10,000 under evacuation orders as California floods intensify". CNN. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ "Governor Lombardo Declares State Of Emergency Due To Severe Weather In Northern Nevada". Nevada.gov. March 10, 2023. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ a b c Clemons, Marvin (March 10, 2023). "Governor expands weather emergency to 11 counties". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ "MTA Prepares for Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected Tuesday Morning". MTA. March 13, 2023. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
- ^ "Governor Lamont Implements Ban on All Tandem and Empty Tractor Trailers on I-84 Beginning 6AM Tuesday Due to Winter Storm". CT.gov. March 13, 2023. Archived from the original on May 8, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ Wehner, Greg (March 13, 2023). "New York Gov. Hochul declares state of emergency and mobilizes National Guard ahead of storm". Fox News. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ a b Wolfe, Elizabeth; Andone, Dakin; Garrett, Monica; Maxouris, Christina (March 14, 2023). "First nor'easter of the season dumps heavy snow and cuts off power to hundreds of thousands across Northeast". CNN. Archived from the original on May 28, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ "Storms cause havoc on U.S. coasts as nor'easter bears down on New England". Boise State Public Radio. March 14, 2023. Archived from the original on 2023-03-29. Retrieved 2023-09-16.
- ^ "Cornell University will close Tuesday, March 14 due to the approaching winter storm". Ithaca Times. March 13, 2023. Archived from the original on May 5, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ LaPointe, Steve (March 17, 2023). "The March 13-14, 2023 Damaging Snow and Power Outage Event". WRGB. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ Dance, Scott; Cappucci, Matthew; Leonard, Diana (March 10, 2023). "Parts of California face 'flooding emergency' as storm kills at least 2". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ a b Gomez, Melissa; Garrison, Jessica; James, Ian; Rust, Susanne; Smith, Hayley (March 10, 2023). "Roads wash out, rivers flood as deadly storm pelts California and forces evacuations". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 17, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ Gomez, Melissa (March 10, 2023). "Flooding fears along California creek: 'I've never seen the water like this'". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ Gorman, Steve; O'Brien, Brendan (March 14, 2023). "California copes with heavy rain, flooding in latest 'atmospheric river' storm". Reuters. Archived from the original on May 14, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ a b Diaz, Jaclyn; Kim, Juliana; Heyward, Guilia (March 11, 2023). "Two dead as nearly 13 inches of rain drench Central California". NPR. Archived from the original on May 14, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ Fawcett, Eliza; Knoll, Corina; Hinojos, Viviana (March 10, 2023). "California Weather: More Evacuations Ordered as Storm Pummels Central California". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ a b "California weather: Another atmospheric river hits state with heavy rain, swelling rivers". CBS News. March 11, 2023. Archived from the original on September 22, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ "Breached Levee Floods Pajaro River Valley, Engulfing Towns as Communities Are Evacuated". KQED. March 11, 2023. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ a b "Highway 84 closes after landslide as entire Bay Area braces for more rain". KTVU. 11 March 2023. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
- ^ "Highway 84 closed in Woodside after slide buckles roadway near Skyline Boulevard". CBS Bay Area. 15 March 2023. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
- ^ "Storm Events Database - Event Details". National Centers for Environmental Information. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ "Heavy snow leads to another roof collapse in South Lake Tahoe". Tahoe Daily Tribune. March 10, 2023. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ "Storm Events Database". National Centers for Environmental Information. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ "Storm Events Database". National Centers for Environmental Information. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ "Winter Storm Shuts Down Interstates, Blamed in Fatal Wreck". USNews. Associated Press. March 11, 2023. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ Barrett, Brian (March 12, 2023). "Fargo-Moorhead reacts to another winter storm". KVRR. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Heavy Snow and Blizzard Conditions - March 11th and March 12th, 2023". National Weather Service Grand Forks, North Dakota. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ "NEXT Weather Alert: Steady snowfall arrives midday for metro, heaviest impacts up north". CBS Minnesota. March 11, 2023. Archived from the original on March 18, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ a b Steiner, Kathy (March 11, 2023). "Jamestown reports more snow on Sunday". Jamestown Sun. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ "Travel advisories issued throughout Grand Forks region as Blizzard Emily settles in". Grand Forks Herald. March 11, 2023. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ "Storm Events Database - Event Details". National Centers for Environmental Information. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ "The March 11-12, 2023 "Super-Duper Clipper"". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Archived from the original on September 21, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ Brackett, Ron (March 14, 2023). "Snow-Covered Roof Collapses At Duluth Mall". The Weather Channel. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ Syed, Ridah (March 10, 2023). "Here are the latest snowfall totals from across Wisconsin in the last 24 hours". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ a b Cooper, Nick (March 13, 2023). "Updated Snowfall Totals In Northern Minnesota & Wisconsin From March 11-12 Storm". MIX 108. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f Vogt, Adrienne; Hayes, Mike; Hammond, Elise; Vera, Amir (March 14, 2023). "March 14, 2023 - Snow, rain and flooding pummel US on both coasts". CNN. Archived from the original on May 19, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ a b Fortin, Matt (March 14, 2023). "Slick Road Conditions Lead to 200 Crashes in New England, Temporary I-93 Shutdown in NH". NBC Boston. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ Frechette, Ben (March 15, 2023). "March Nor'easter snow totals in Vermont, New York". WPTZ. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ a b Pintair, Olivia Q. (March 14, 2023). "Winter storm sweeps through Vermont, causing power outages, road closures and collisions". VTDigger. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ "Late-winter storm pummels Northeast with heavy, wet snow". NY1. Associated Press. March 14, 2023. Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ Lynch, Troy (March 15, 2023). "Heavy snow may be to blame after New Hampshire Sportsdome deflates". WMUR. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ a b Yablonski, Steven (March 13, 2023). "Restoration efforts underway after nor'easter dumps more than 3 feet of snow in parts of Northeast". FOX Weather. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
- ^ Jiménez, Jesus; Levenson, Michael (March 13, 2023). "Late-Winter Storm Brings Heavy Snow and Rain to the Northeast". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ Rex, Kristina (March 14, 2023). "Barn collapses at Shaw Farm in Dracut during nor'easter - CBS Boston". CBS News Boston. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ "Who has the most? Snow totals for March 14, 2023". CBS News Boston. March 15, 2023. Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ "Storm Events Database - Event Details". National Centers for Environmental Information. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ Eisenstadter, Dave (March 4, 2024). "Will it snow in March? Here's what long-range weather forecasters say". MassLive. Archived from the original on March 20, 2024. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- ^ Stormy weather slams both coasts: Nor'easter snarls travel; power outages in California Archived 2023-12-07 at the Wayback Machine, USA Today, March 14, 2023
- ^ Kirk, Rylee (March 14, 2023). "Plane full of passengers goes off taxiway at Syracuse Airport". Syracuse.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ "Power outages in the Capital Region top 100K amid blizzard". News10. March 14, 2023. Archived from the original on November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
- ^ "1,500 Flights Delayed As Nor'easter Slams New York And Boston". Forbes. March 14, 2023. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
- ^ a b c "How much snow fell in New York City, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut". ABC7 New York. March 14, 2023. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ Expect Another Breezy NYC Day After Winds Hit 50MPH During Nor'easter, Patch, March 15, 2023
- ^ a b LaRosa, Maria; Brickman, Matt; Price, Dave; Miranda, Raphael (March 13, 2023). "Strong Winds Follow Nor'easter Dumping 17 Inches of Snow in Parts of NY: See Totals Here". NBC New York. Archived from the original on March 20, 2023. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ "Public Information Statement". National Weather Service. March 13, 2023. Archived from the original on September 30, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ Melisurgo, Len (March 15, 2023). "N.J. weather: Snowfall totals across the state. See which towns have 8 inches or more of snow". NJ.com. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.