Washington. Life on the East Coast of the United States has been disrupted by severe winter storm warnings. According to the US Meteorological Department, there is a threat of heavy snowfall, strong winds and coastal flooding in the Central Atlantic and north-eastern states. In view of the situation, an alert has been issued in many big cities including New York and Boston. More than 1500 flights have been canceled due to bad weather.
According to the Weather Prediction Center of the US National Weather Service, the low pressure system formed in the south-eastern region is moving towards the south-central Atlantic coast and will move towards the north-east while deepening rapidly. Due to this system, widespread and severe impacts may be seen till Monday.
There is a possibility of snowfall of one to two feet
According to the forecast, snowfall rates in some areas could exceed one inch per hour. Total snowfall is likely to reach one to two feet, bringing road and air travel to a near standstill. Experts say the combination of strong winds with heavy and wet snow could disrupt power supply and lead to power cuts in many areas.
Winds will blow up to 112 km per hour
Wind gusts of 64 to 113 kilometers per hour (about 112 kph) are expected along coastal areas from Delaware to southeastern New England. Strong winds will significantly reduce visibility and travel can be extremely dangerous. Warnings for moderate flooding and road flooding have been issued from coastal New Jersey to Cape Cod.
The weather department has said that the situation may worsen during Sunday night, when the intensity of snowfall will be at its peak.
Officials have appealed to people to avoid unnecessary travel, keep emergency kits ready and follow the instructions of the local administration. Such powerful winter storms are common along the Atlantic coast in February, according to experts, when cold continental winds come into contact with the relatively warm Atlantic Ocean and form rapidly intense weather systems.