A severe winter storm named Hernando caused significant disruptions across northeastern US cities, including school closures and thousands of flight cancellations due to heavy snowfall and high winds.
Winter Storm Hernando struck northeastern parts of the United States, leading to a blizzard that resulted in widespread school closures and flight cancellations. Major cities such as New York City, Portland, and Boston issued blizzard warnings as cities braced for the impact of heavy snowfall combined with gale-force winds. By Monday, over 10,000 flights had been canceled, indicating the storm's severe disruption to travel and daily life in the affected areas.
The storm escalated quickly, with Massachusetts and Rhode Island reporting extremely high wind gusts, some reaching up to 84 mph. Significant snowfall totals were recorded, with Central Park and JFK Airport experiencing over 15 inches. Parts of Massachusetts and Long Island reported more than 76 cm of snow, while Rhode Island saw totals reach up to 96 cm. Fall River, Massachusetts, even recorded a remarkable total of 104 cm of snowfall, showcasing the storm's intensity.
The rapid intensification of the storm not only disrupted transportation but raised concerns about safety and emergency preparedness in the region. With several communities experiencing hours of continuous snowfall, authorities urged residents to stay indoors and take necessary precautions as cleanup and recovery efforts began. The overall implications highlight the increasing unpredictability of winter weather events in the US, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure and emergency planning in response to climate-related challenges.
