Snow Totals: snow totals from east coast storm cancel more than 5,000 flights
Snow totals from the major storm that hit the US east coast on Monday broke records and left millions facing disruptions. The storm forced more than 5, 706 flight cancellations and widespread power outages as communities dug out.
Snow Totals by state
Parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts saw nearly 37in (94cm) of snow, while New York City's Central Park recorded more than 19in, the National Weather Service said. Rhode Island, America's smallest state, appeared to have received the most snow and the event has become the worst snowstorm to ever hit the state.
Providence, the state capital of Rhode Island, received 36in of snow, smashing the existing record for a single greatest snowstorm of 28. 6in set in February 1978. "It completely smashed it, " Candice Hrencecin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boston, said. "We were just as shocked as everyone else. "
Warnings and persistence
Winter storm warnings stretched from North Carolina to northern Maine, with some warnings placed further north in parts of eastern Canada. The National Weather Service warned the snow was expected to persist throughout Monday, with some areas near the northeast coastline expected to get a total of 1ft to 2ft (61cm) of snow by Tuesday morning.
Travel bans and closures
A ban on non-essential travel was implemented in Rhode Island and in neighbouring Connecticut. Later in the day, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey imposed a travel ban and took additional measures. "I'm issuing a travel ban on all non-essential driving in Southeastern Massachusetts — and reducing the speed limit on the Pike to 40mph [25kmh], " she said in an online post, referring to a major highway in the state. She added: "Whiteout conditions are making travel extremely dangerous. If you get stuck, help will have a hard time reaching you... I strongly urge everyone to stay off the roads no matter where you live. "
In New York City, a travel ban brought the city of over 8 million to a near standstill before it was lifted at noon local time; all roads, highways and bridges were shuttered while the ban was in force. A state agency warned there were "near impossible" travel conditions in New York.
Power outages and hazards
More than 600, 000 homes and businesses on the east coast endured power outages, with New Jersey and Massachusetts the worst hit. In Massachusetts, nearly 300, 000 were without power, including 85% of customers in Barnstable County, which includes all of Cape Cod. In Connecticut and New Jersey there were concerns that falling trees and branches could lead to dangerous road conditions and more power outages.
Local response and vehicle tows
In Providence, a city spokesman said more than 300 vehicles had been towed for parking in the way of snowploughs. By the afternoon on Monday, tow operations had stopped and drivers were instead helping people whose vehicles had gotten stuck.
Flights and disruption
People looking to travel within the US on Monday struggled as the storm disrupted airports and airline operations. The number of cancelled flights within, into or out of the US reached more than 5, 706. Millions of people faced disrupted plans while communities continued clearing roads and restoring services.
Authorities cautioned that dangerous conditions could continue and urged residents to follow travel bans and safety guidance while crews work to clear streets and repair outages.
