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6 Quotes About The Blizzard Making Us Shiver
As 250 miles of the Northeastern United States prepares for a massive, possibly unprecedented snowstorm on Monday and Tuesday, officials have been issuing some pretty scary warnings. The National Weather Service predicted that at least 28 million people will be affected by winter storm Juno, which is expected to dump two to three feet of snow in major Northeastern cities like New York Boston, and Providence. City officials have been using words like "historical" and "worst ever," which may sound like fearmongering, but when there's this much snow in such a short amount of time, it'd be in everyone's best interests to heed the warnings.
The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for the Northeastern swath, stretching from New Jersey to southern Maine, from Monday afternoon to Tuesday late at night. During that time, one to two feet of snow is expected to accumulate widely, with some areas picking up more than two feet. Wind gusts and power outages are also expected to occur, and it's possible that some coastal cities might experience flooding. One thing the National Weather Service is telling all people in the Northeast region: do not travel during the peak window between Monday and late Tuesday.
In fact, airlines have canceled more than 4,300 flights due to the storm, including major carriers like United, U.S. Airways, and Delta. Along with air travel, roads are also expected to be severely impacted by the storm, and officials everywhere are warning of the potential dangers that lie ahead. From meteorologists to mayors, here are the scariest things being said about winter storm Juno.
1. Bill de Blasio
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has issued some of the most ominous warnings in regards to the storm. At a press conference on Sunday, de Blasio told New Yorkers:
This could be the biggest snowstorm in the history of this city. My message for New Yorkers is prepare for something worse than we have ever seen before ... Don't underestimate this storm. Prepare for the worst.
That's because New York City is expected to get 24 to 36 inches of snow between Monday night and Tuesday. Juno could even surpass the magnitude of the legendary, and devastating, Blizzard of 1888.
2. Gov. Charlie Baker
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker painted a dreadful scene for transportation in an official statement:
Unless forecasts change between now and tomorrow evening, people across Massachusetts should presume that roads on Tuesday, and possibly Wednesday, will be very hard, if not impossible, to navigate, that power outages are a distinct possibility, and that most forms of public transportation may not be available.
3. AccuWeather
Meteorologists have been making some grim warnings as well. AccuWeather's senior meteorologist Tom Kines told USA Today:
It's one thing to get a foot or more of snow. You throw in 30 to 40 mile-per-hour winds and it's a recipe for disaster.
4. The National Weather Service
The National Weather Service's official blizzard warning alert called the storm "crippling and potentially historic." It also listed out the storm's specific possible impacts.
Impacts: Life-threatening conditions and extremely dangerous travel due to heavy snowfall and strong winds ... without whiteout conditions. Many roads may become impassable. Strong winds may down power limbs and tree limbs.
5. The National Weather Service, Again
NWS lead forecaster Bob Oravec said that snow was just the beginning. He told the Associated Press:
In addition to heavy snow, with blizzard warnings, there's a big threat of high, damaging winds, and that will be increasing Monday into Tuesday. A lot of blowing, drifting and such.
6. The Weather Channel
Over on Twitter, official weather services are posting similarly scary messages.
Images: Getty Images (2), The Weather Channel/Twitter