Late winter storm brings snow to South and Northeast
A late winter storm blowing into the northeastern United States on Saturday had forecasters warning of as much as a foot of snow and high winds after the system brought wintry conditions to southern states.
"A powerful cold front and low pressure system will plow through the East today with a wide-range of hazards," the National Weather Service said Saturday. "Of most concern, severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and a few tornadoes are possible across the Southeast, heavy snow is likely from the Central Appalachians to the Interior Northeast and northern New England, and widespread high wind gusts are likely for much of the region."
Forecasters said hazardous weather will be seen up and down the East Coast including heavy snow, strong winds and flash flooding. Seven to 12 inches of snow could fall in northern areas of Pennsylvania and New York with winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
Gale warnings were in effect in coastal New Jersey and Delaware areas, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph possible and forecasters warning of tree damage and resulting power outages as well as rough boating conditions. A wind advisory was in effect for other areas.
As of 5:30 p.m. ET, snowfall totals across the region were as follows, according to the National Weather Service:
- PA - Burlington 10.8"
- TN - La Follette 10.6"
- WV - Kenna 10"
- NY - Union Center 10.7"
- VA - Meadowview 9"
- OH - Stockport 8.5"
- KY - Essie 8.5"
- NC - Faust 9.8"
- VT - Derby Center 11"
- MD - Grantsville 7.7"
A number of St. Patrick's Day parades were postponed due to the weather, including events scheduled in Albany, New York, and Erie and Scranton, Pennsylvania, as well as suburban Philadelphia. The parade in Philadelphia was still scheduled to go on Sunday.
On Saturday afternoon, a multi-car crash shut down Pennsylvania's Route 581 in Cumberland County amid hazardous road conditions. State trooper Megan Ammerman said 73 cars were involved in the crash and multiple non-life threatening injuries have been reported.
"The road will be closed for several more hours," Ammerman said at 3 p.m. ET on Twitter. "AVOID THE AREA."