Powerful winter storm blasting Northeast US

A powerful and fast-moving winter storm is bringing significant impact to parts of the northern Middle Atlantic through northern New England Thursday into Thursday night, February 9, 2017. This is the first significant snow for the region since early-mid January. Snowfall rates may exceed 50.8 mm (2 inches) per hour. Officials also warned of high winds, coastal flooding and possible power outages.

The storm is bringing heavy snow, high winds and localized blizzard conditions causing dangerous travel conditions along the major Interstate 96 corridor including Philadelphia, New York City, and Boson.

More than 3 000 flights were canceled early Thursday, including some in the Washington.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for the New York metro area due to heavy snow and wind, which are coming together to produce very low visibility. “Travel is extremely dangerous,” the service said.

New York City Major Bill de Blasio said people should stay home. "If you need to go out, please, don't use your car," he said.

Schools were closed in Albany, New York City, Philadelphia and Boston, numerous accidents were reported.

Snowfall rates have been extreme at times, ranging from 25.4 mm to 101.6 mm (1 – 4 inches) per hour.

LaGuardia airport (NY) recorded 76.2 mm (3 inches) of snow per hour between 08:00 and 10:00 EST.

The storm, named Niko, comes a day after much of the Northeast enjoyed a brief glimpse of spring, with temperatures hitting 15.5 °C (60 °F) in some places, AFP said.

The snow was expected taper off by the early afternoon in the Philadelphia and New York City areas, but New Englanders were bracing for snowfall through the evening commute, they are expected to be the hardest hit.

Featured image credit: Live Storms Media