Major storm to shut down travel over interior Northeast this weekend
- The blockbuster storm, which will hit the Midwest first, is likely to cause roads to close and lead to scores of flight delays and cancellations.
- Those who are on the road through the heart of the snow and ice area will be at risk for becoming stranded for many hours and may have to face temperatures plummeting to dangerously low levels.
- Roads that may close during the storm in the Northeast include portions of Interstate 79, 80, 81, 86, 87, 89, 90 and 91.
- At times snowfall rates in this zone may be 2-3 inches per hour. Plows are not likely to be able to keep up. As the storm strengthens, winds will cause major blowing and drifting of snow, where ice does not mix in.
- Enough snow will fall to make roads slippery and may cause school delays into Friday. In most areas snowfall from the storm will be on the order of an inch or two.
- Meanwhile, a swath of wintry mix will occur from near and just south of the Mason-Dixon Line to much of New Jersey and southern New England.
A much more dramatic, disruptive and dangerous storm will follow approximately 36 hours later from Saturday to Sunday reaching up into Montreal & Toronto.
Keep Calm & Stay Warm
In bad weather, especially in snowy and icy conditions, government officials and the media often urge us to leave our cars at home and take public transportation. However, there are some things to keep in mind during your winter commute.
Winter travel on public transit best practices
*Check Moovit before leaving your house to plan for delays & cancellations!
#1 Dress Warmly:
- When the temperature is below zero, frostbite can set in within a half an hour.
- The National Weather Service has created a pictorial guide to dressing for outdoors in chilly, cold, and extremely cold conditions.
- Please take their advice to wear layers and cover exposed skin.
#2 Think Ahead:
- Planning is important and subzero days are definitely not the time to just wing it.
- Put some thought into where you will transfer—is there someplace warm to wait at your transfer point?
#3 Stand at a Safe Location:
- When snow or ice impede your ability to safely stand at your stop, please choose the nearest safe location.
#4 Understand Why Operators Stop Where They Do:
- Bad weather adds a lot of variables to an Operator’s route.
- During inclement weather, Operators are trained to use their best judgment at each stop and, if they are unable to stop near a curb because of accumulated snow or ice, they may make a decision to stop an extra distance from the curb to avoid a trip hazard.
- If you are concerned about safely boarding any bus, please let the Operator know so they can employ the ramp or offer other assistance.
#5 Don’t Succumb to Heater Hate:
- “It’s too hot!” “It’s freezing!” Because buses don’t have the same kind of heat controls that automobiles do, questions and comments about bus temperature are frequent during winter months.
- The fact is, most buses do not allow for manual temperature control by an Operator.
#6 Know About Kneelers:
- When temperatures drop (usually below zero degrees Fahrenheit), Operators are routinely instructed not to kneel their bus because of a risk of freezing that can prevent the bus from returning from the kneeled position.
- The Operator can still operate the ramp to help passengers board and alight, so please let them know if you need assistance.
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